Hey there! Have you ever heard of sister zongzi? 🍙 They’re special sticky rice dumplings made in Shiqian County, Guizhou Province, China, and they’re a big part of the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations!
As the festival gets closer, families and neighbors come together to make these yummy treats. First, they gather fresh zongye (that’s reed leaves) and pick plump glutinous rice and sweet chestnuts. 🍃🌾 They also use a unique kind of tea called taicha, which gives the zongzi a delicious fragrance!
The name “sister zongzi” comes from the way they’re wrapped. Multiple reed leaves are bundled together with a single straw, like sisters holding hands! 🤗 This special wrapping symbolizes the close bonds between friends, family, and neighbors.
Once everything is ready, they wrap the ingredients using methods passed down from their grandparents. Then, the zongzi are placed neatly in an iron pot called a dingguan, which has a tripod shape. The cooking begins! 🔥 The zongzi simmer over the fire for about 2.5 hours, and the aroma of the tea leaves mixes perfectly with the rice dumplings.
When they’re done, the hot zongzi are unwrapped, and the whole area fills with a mouth-watering scent. Residents share them with everyone—family, friends, and neighbors—spreading joy and celebrating their community! 🎉
Wrapping and sharing sister zongzi isn’t just about making food; it’s about keeping traditions alive and strengthening friendships. Next time you enjoy a tasty treat with friends, remember the sister zongzi and how food can bring people together! 🍽️❤️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
