Dinosaur & Tree Fern Feast

Dinosaur & Tree Fern Feast

　　Chishui is known as the "Kingdom of Tree Ferns." Though dinosaurs have long been extinct in the area, it boasts nearly 20,000 species of ferns, represented by the tree fern. These ferns were once the main food of herbivorous dinosaurs 200 million years ago and are now treasured delicacies on the dining tables of Chishui locals. Sharing a meal with the dinosaurs of old, people not only enjoy their health benefits but also find themselves pondering the vastness of time and ancient history—an indescribably wonderful experience. Fern-based dishes include fresh tree fern, dried tree fern, tree fern soup, tree fern cakes, and more. Combined with other ingredients, they can be made into an abundant and unique "Dinosaur & Tree Fern Banquet."

Tree Fern: The roots and stems of the tree fern are rich in starch. The tender shoots collected in spring and the roots gathered in autumn and winter are ground into a traditional dish famous both in urban and rural areas. It is commonly prepared either as a vegetarian stir-fry or mixed with meat for a non-vegetarian version. With its bright red color, rich aroma, crisp texture, and slightly bitter taste, it refreshes the palate and moistens the lungs. It makes an excellent accompaniment to wine or rice.

Fern Sprouts: Made from the tender, freshly sprouted fern sprouts, it can be pan-fried, stir-fried, or stewed. It tastes delicious, soft, and smooth, and is believed to have remarkable benefits for the lungs and bones. Because the shape of the young fern sprout leaves resembles a child’s fist, some call it "Buddha’s Hand Vegetable" or "Dragon Claw Vegetable."

Fern Cake: Made from fern sprouts and fern roots used as ingredients, the plant material is ground into powder, the starch is extracted into a slurry, then dried and stored. It can be sliced and prepared by frying, stir-frying, steaming, or boiling to create over ten different dishes with varying textures. (Zunyi)