Longevity Black Rice

Longevity Black Rice

　　Longevity Black Rice

　　　　On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, it is a local custom in Songyang to eat black rice. It is said to be a Taoist health food invented by Ye Fashan, known as "Qingjing Rice." Regular consumption is believed to promote longevity and rejuvenate one’s appearance. Black rice is made by extracting juice from the leaves of the black rice tree to soak glutinous rice until it turns pitch black, then steaming it. It is later stir-fried with sugar, cured meat, red dates, mushrooms, and other seasonings in a wok. The black rice has a glossy dark color, with each grain plump and shiny. It is rich in nutrients and has a unique flavor.