Dali Carved Plums

Dali Carved Plums

　　 Carved plums are a traditional and renowned food item of the Bai ethnic group

　　According to historical records, as far back as the Tang Dynasty during the Nanzhao Kingdom period, it was customary to give carved plums as gifts when visiting relatives and friends. The name “carved plum” comes from the intricate patterns carved into green plums

　　The production process uses salted plums as the raw material. First, the salted plums are soaked in limewater, then taken out and air-dried. Next, a carving knife is used to etch continuous, winding patterns into the flesh of the plum, and the plum pit is squeezed out through the gaps, leaving the plum hollow like a lace. It is then gently flattened into the shape of a chrysanthemum or a zigzag plum cake. The cakes are placed in a basin of water with a small amount of salt added to reduce the sourness of the plums. They are then preserved in a mixture of rock sugar and honey for several months. Once the plum cakes turn golden yellow, they can be taken out of the jar and eaten.

　　Carved plums have a fragrant, crisp, and sweet taste with a pleasant tanginess that refreshes the palate, stimulates saliva production, and invigorates the appetite and spirit. They are rich in vitamin C and glutamic acid, among other nutrients, making them a beneficial food for the body.

　　Carved plums are not only a local delicacy in the Dali region but also an exquisitely handcrafted art form. Eryuan County is known as the “Hometown of Plums,” and many local Bai girls learn to make carved plums from a young age. As a result, this craft is often seen as a measure of a girl’s dexterity and skill. (Dali)