Fermented Rice Cake

Fermented Rice Cake

　　　　A traditional folk New Year cake. A type of fermented rice-based dessert. Also known as "Fajiao" (fermented cake).

　　In Chaoshan folklore, it's called "Fajiao" with wishes for wealth and prosperity.

　　It is commonly made during major festivals such as the Winter Solstice and Chinese New Year. Brown sugar is most often used, though white sugar is also common. After steaming, the surface is stamped or inscribed with red patterns symbolizing "blessings and longevity" or other auspicious phrases. The steaming vessel is woven from bamboo strips and thin wooden planks used in making steamer baskets, resembling a flat-bottomed basin.