Boxthorn Cake

Boxthorn Cake

　　　A traditional folk food popular in various counties of the Chaoshan region. "Boxthorn" refers to the boxthorn tree, a deciduous tall tree. It can grow over 10 meters high, with oval and pointed leaves, tiny flowers, and small fleshy fruits that are spherical with slightly pointed tips and sweet in taste, making them edible.

　　Around the Qingming Festival, the boxthorn tree sprouts new leaves, and it is a local custom to gather the tender leaves to make cakes. The method involves washing the leaves, then pounding them with glutinous rice in a mortar to turn them into powder, which is then mixed with white sugar and a leavening agent. The resulting cake is sweet, soft, and fragrant with the distinctive aroma of boxthorn leaves. It also aids digestion and is a seasonal dessert enjoyed by people of all ages.