Pingnan Yupo Rice Cake

Pingnan Yupo Rice Cake

　　Yupo rice cake is made by steaming a rice batter blended with tender leaves of yupo herb and rice. Yupo herb is a common wild plant in the mountainous areas of Pingnan, growing both on hillsides and near water. Its broad, slightly oval-shaped leaves produce spike-like fruits. Around the Start of Summer solar term, the young yupo leaves begin to sprout, swaying gently in the breeze with their vibrant green hue.

　　To steam yupo rice cake, first soak an appropriate amount of rice in water. Then pick a suitable quantity of tender yupo leaves, wash and chop them, and blend them with the soaked rice to make a rice batter. Sauté chopped scallions in oil until fragrant, then mix them into the prepared rice batter. The batter is then scooped into a rice cake mold and steamed in a large iron pot. Once the first layer is cooked, another layer of batter is added. Typically, a total of seven layers are stacked, which is why the finished yupo rice cake is also called "seven-layer cake." As children, we loved peeling off each layer one by one. The steamed yupo rice cake is green in color, fragrant, and visually appetizing, making it a beloved local delicacy. Once cooked, the rice cake is usually cut into diamond-shaped pieces. It tastes great when served hot or even after it has cooled down.

　　In the countryside, whenever someone steams yupo rice cake, they never forget to share some with relatives, friends, or neighbors. Likewise, if you visit Pingnan, the hospitable locals will surely serve you this traditional treat. (Jiang Liangre)

　　Information source: People's Government of Fujian Province