Huozhou Sesame Cake

Huozhou Sesame Cake

　　Huozhou Sesame Cake is a specialty of Huozhou City in Linfen, Shanxi Province. It is a traditional Han Chinese snack from Huozhou, Shanxi. Made from high-quality flour and oil dough mixed with fennel, it is meticulously processed and baked in a specially designed oven. Huozhou Sesame Cake boasts a rich, authentic aroma and a distinctive taste.

　　Huozhou is located in central Shanxi and falls under the jurisdiction of Linfen. What makes Huozhou Sesame Cake different from sesame cakes in other regions is that during its preparation, the filling includes fennel mixed with oil and salt. After the dough is rolled out, a “Fu” (福, meaning fortune) character is stamped onto the surface before it is placed on a hot griddle (àozi) to bake until both sides turn golden. It is then placed in an oven to bake until golden brown and ready to serve. Notably, the inclusion of fennel in Huozhou Sesame Cake helps to neutralize stomach acidity, regulate qi, and relieve pain. Aside from being a daily food item, it also serves as a popular gift for visiting relatives and friends, as well as an essential food for women during their postpartum confinement period.