Cengong Grey Alkaline Cake

Cengong Grey Alkaline Cake

　　Cengong Grey Alkaline Cake is a distinctive local delicacy from Cengong County in Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. As a type of traditional cake, it is made from glutinous rice and plant ash through a specific production process. The use of plant ash as an auxiliary ingredient—along with the alkali it provides—gives the cake its name.

　　Also known as grey slurry cake, Cengong Grey Alkaline Cake is a widely loved local food in Cengong. It is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a late-night snack, and is a regional specialty of Cengong. Locals not only enjoy eating Grey Alkaline Cake, but are also skilled in making it. Particularly among farmers along the Longjiang River, it is customary to prepare this cake during the Spring Festival to celebrate the arrival of the new year. 　　The cake also serves as an important gift exchanged during festivals. When visiting relatives and friends or paying New Year’s visits, villagers often give Grey Alkaline Cake as presents. Its convenience for consumption and storage has made it particularly popular. To eat, it is cut into strips or cubes, boiled in boiling water until thoroughly cooked, then removed and placed in a bowl or dish with oily broth. It is served mixed with seasonings such as minced meat, chopped scallions, sesame oil, MSG, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns. 　　For storage, the cake can be kept in a porcelain basin or jar filled with cool water. The water should be changed frequently to prevent contamination due to water quality changes. Stored this way, it can typically remain fresh for 1–2 months, and up to half a year during winter.