Persimmon Cakes from Cengong

Persimmon Cakes from Cengong

　　Persimmon cakes from Cengong are a specialty of Cengong County in Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. These persimmon cakes have a grayish-white exterior with golden, translucent, gelatinous cross-sections that are soft and sweet. They are naturally sweet, moist, non-toxic, and known to nourish the lungs, relieve coughs and phlegm, clear heat and quench thirst, strengthen the spleen, and help firm up the intestines.

　　Persimmons are a specialty of Cengong. When the fruit turns yellow, it can be made into persimmon cakes and persimmon flowers. These treats are glutinous with a sweet taste, soothing to the throat, diuretic, blood pressure-lowering, and hemostatic. They are commonly served as accompaniments for welcoming guests, giving gifts, or enjoying tea.

　　Persimmon cakes from Cengong have a long history. It is said that they were already on the market during the Ming and Qing dynasties. After the liberation, both their production and sales flourished, and in recent years, they continue to be widely available. They are mainly produced in Dahongwan, Sanyanjin, and Xinwu of Lajiafan Village in Dayou Township; Hejiatun and Huangxiuchong of Liangshui Village; Zhonggutang and Yemao Dong of Maolong Village; Houjiatun and Pipayuan of Tongkou Village; and Hexi Tun of Muzhao Village.

　　The processing of persimmon cakes is relatively complex: after the White Dew solar term, persimmons that are 70% ripe are picked. Their outer skin is scraped off with a scraper, then the fruits are placed on bamboo-woven persimmon racks. During the day, they are sun-dried, and at night, they are roasted by fire. Once the persimmons turn brownish-red, they are repeatedly kneaded by hand into round, biscuit-like shapes, then tied with palm leaves—usually ten per bundle. The bundled persimmon cakes are then stored. As the weather gets colder, the sugar inside the cakes naturally seeps out and crystallizes into a layer of white frost on the surface, combining appealing color, aroma, and flavor into one irresistible treat.