Yunlong Milk Fan

Yunlong Milk Fan

　　Dali enjoys a humid climate with abundant rainfall and lush pastures, making it highly suitable for animal husbandry. Almost every household raises dairy cows, and the fragrance of milk fills the air. The ample milk supply provides rich raw material for dairy product production. The Yunlong Milk Fan is made from the milk of local cows. The production process involves heating “sour water,” then scooping in fresh milk and gently shaking it until it coagulates into flocculent curds. These are then spread into thin sheets using bamboo chopsticks, rolled onto bamboo racks, and air-dried to form the final product. Its shape resembles a slanted fan, hence the name “Milk Fan.” Not only does the Milk Fan have a unique flavor, but it is also highly nutritious, containing various substances needed by the human body such as protein and amino acids. It also offers benefits such as regulating qi and blood, calming the nerves, strengthening the stomach, and nourishing deficiencies, making it an excellent food for improving health and promoting wellness. The Milk Fan can be cooked in a variety of ways—pan-fried, steamed, grilled, scalded, braised, deep-fried, boiled, or stir-fried. When paired with other meats and vegetables, it can be used to prepare a refreshing array of Milk Fan-based dishes. The Milk Fan can also be eaten raw. In the past, when mountainous western Yunnan had no roads and transportation relied on horseback, muleteers often carried Milk Fans and brown sugar to stave off hunger during tiring journeys. All domestic and international visitors to Dali find tasting the Milk Fan a delightful experience. (Dali)