Wuzhen Qingtuan

Wuzhen Qingtuan

　　Made by kneading tender mugwort, small brambles, and other herbs into glutinous rice flour to form green-colored dumplings, Qingtuan were traditionally used by the people of Wuzhen for tomb-sweeping and ancestor worship. However, nowadays they are more commonly enjoyed as seasonal treats, and their ritual function has gradually diminished.

　　 Qingtuan have been popular for over a hundred years and are usually unfilled. In recent years, various sweet and savory fillings such as lard rose, black sesame paste, and pork-filled versions have emerged, but the most beloved remain the plain, solid green dumplings—perhaps because they best capture the fresh purity of spring.