Blue Mountain Baba Youcha

Blue Mountain Baba Youcha

　　  Blue Mountain Baba Youcha

　　　    Baba Youcha is a unique traditional delicacy of Blue Mountain, known for its spicy, fragrant, sweet, crispy, and delicious taste. The baba is made from high-quality local glutinous rice, deep-fried to the size of pigeon eggs, with ten to twelve pieces served in each bowl. It is paired with roasted peanuts, soybeans, puffed rice, and a light sprinkle of scallions, then soaked in piping hot youcha ginger soup (the soup contains ginger, a small amount of brown sugar, and tea leaves). It is richly aromatic, spicy, sweet, and delightfully crispy—extremely tasty. Once consumed, the youcha induces sweating to ward off the cold, promotes blood circulation, and contributes to health and disease prevention.

　　    For centuries, drinking youcha has been a longstanding tradition among the people of Blue Mountain. During festivals and celebrations, or when hosting guests, youcha is always prepared. There is also a folk belief that eating youcha on the morning of Chinese New Year can ward off illness and disasters throughout the year, bringing great fortune and good luck.