Foping Divine Tofu

Foping Divine Tofu

　　Divine tofu is made from the leaves of the “divine tree.” The “divine tree” is known as Zabelia biflora, a shrub belonging to the genus Zabelia in the honeysuckle family. Zabelia biflora is abundant in the mountains of Foping, commonly growing in mixed forests or shrublands on slopes, roadsides, ditches, and other areas below an altitude of 2,000 meters. From May through September, when the leaves are tender, they are collected in bamboo baskets, rinsed clean in mountain springs or streams, and placed in basins. For every pound of fresh leaves, about four pounds of water are added. The leaves are then blanched with slightly cooled boiling water, causing them to soften in the basin. At this point, a rolling pin is used to repeatedly mash the leaves until they become paste-like — the consistency should be such that when lifted with the rolling pin, it doesn’t drip. The mashed leaf paste is then filtered through a fine sieve to remove any solids. Next, a bit of brine is added to the leaf pulp; if brine isn’t available, clarified wood ash water can be used instead, at a ratio of three taels of ash water per pound of leaves. Once thoroughly stirred and thickened, the mixture is left to cool and solidify. The resulting divine tofu is a vibrant green and delicate, resembling congealed fat, and is typically soaked in water. When served cold, it can be sliced like jelly and mixed with seasonings such as chili oil, ginger, garlic, and mustard, then plated — the texture is smooth, silky, cool, and refreshing. If cooked, it can be simmered with cilantro, wood ear mushrooms, daylily buds, glass noodles, and meatballs, or stir-fried with pickled vegetables and diced chicken. It has a subtle color, a fragrant aroma, and a pleasant taste with hints of tea. Consuming it is believed to have cooling, blood-purifying, detoxifying, mind-refreshing, and energy-boosting effects. It is especially suitable for summer consumption and may help prevent various illnesses caused by excessive liver or lung heat.