Xunyi Zeng Cake

Xunyi Zeng Cake

　　Zeng (zèng) cake is a local specialty of Xunyi. With a long and storied history, it is believed to have evolved from China’s most ancient "fen ci" and took on its current form during the Tang Dynasty. It is called Zeng cake because it is steamed in a "zeng" (a type of traditional steaming vessel).

　　 The preparation of Zeng cake is quite intricate, using glutinous rice and jujubes as the main ingredients. To make it, a certain amount of glutinous rice is soaked in cold water for 2–4 hours until the center of the grains softens. The rice is then rinsed thoroughly with clean water and drained. A proportional amount of jujubes is also washed and set aside. First, a layer of jujubes is evenly spread over the steamer basket, followed by one-third of the glutinous rice. This layering is repeated. Finally, another even layer of jujubes is added, covered with a piece of white cloth, and then the steamer lid is placed on top to steam. During the steaming process, controlling the heat and adding water at the right times is crucial. Initially, a strong flame is used, and every 30 minutes, a small amount of warm water is sprinkled over the rice. After an hour, the heat is reduced to a gentle simmer, and the cake is steamed for about 3–5 hours in total. The finished Zeng cake features a harmonious blend of rice and jujubes, with a vibrant color and a texture that is soft, sticky, and sweet, along with an intense aroma of jujubes. When eaten, it tastes as sweet as honey, deeply satisfying and leaving a lingering aftertaste.

　　Source: Xunyi County Cultural Relics and Tourism Bureau