Black Bark Glutinous Rice Cake

Black Bark Glutinous Rice Cake

　　Black Bark Glutinous Rice Cake

　　This is a unique traditional snack of the She ethnic group in Taining. Its preparation is quite interesting: the branches and leaves of the "Black Bark" tree are burned to produce charcoal ash, from which an alkaline solution is extracted for later use. The soaked glutinous rice is rinsed with boiling water, then steamed in a rice steamer. The steamed rice is poured into a stone mortar and pounded repeatedly, while a small amount of the Black Bark ash alkaline water is added. The mixture is formed into small balls, then steamed and pounded again. After being steamed and pounded three times, the cake becomes soft, smooth, and glossy. Its characteristics include a yellow transparent color, a texture that is soft yet chewy, smooth without being sticky, and a flavor with a distinctive alkaline aroma.