Starch Skin and Wheat Gluten

Last updated 2026-11-13 — In the rural areas of Zhangye, after the autumn harvest, every household sun-dries starch skin and wheat gluten to welcome relatives and friends. During festivals, holidays, or celebratory occasions, starch skin and wheat gluten are indispensable as temporary hospitality foods. New mothers also receive a basket of starch skin and wheat gluten from their parents' home when they are in confinement. The tradition of sun-drying starch skin and wheat gluten in the countryside is still popular today. The famous starch skin and wheat gluten of Zhangye include “Ma’s Wheat Gluten,” which is sold by the bucketful at the stall every morning and sells out in less than two hours. Because of its fame, besides regular customers, many people also come specifically because of its reputation.