Twisted dried turnips for soup

Ok, this looks like some dried up carcass, but it is actually a product from China. It is twisted dried turnip strips. It's use to make soup.

Strange fruit from China

This strange fruit is from China. It's size is petite. Fits in my palm. The one I have here
has been marinated with some spices. It tastes sweet and tangy. The more you bite into it, the
more spicy it gets. The interior contains a seed that looks like a macadamia nut. I was told that I was suppose to eat the outside as well.
Does any one know what this fruit is called?