Gearing up for mooncake madness

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The majority of my friends, both Chinese and foreigners, told me they didn't even like the taste of the traditional pastries.

One particular friend told me the hefty price tag was just to convince people they taste good and said "anyone stupid enough to want to eat them deserves to pay".

Another complained the sweet cakes, which can be laden with up to 1,000 calories, ruined hours of sweaty work in the gym.

Despite the general distain, several friends admitted that, come the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, they would be visiting the bakery to buy mooncakes.

One friend told me whether you love them or hate them, presenting mooncakes to relatives and business associates was an integral part of the festival, showing respect and building relationships.

He explained that in a couple of weeks I wouldn't be able to escape from the pastries, which would be everywhere, but actually very few would be eaten. He admitted he still had a stash of mooncakes given to him last year festering in his kitchen cupboard.