Osmanthus cake

Osmanthus Cake is a traditional Chinese dessert made from osmanthus flowers, sugar, and glutinous rice. It is often consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival and is known for its sweet, fragrant flavor and jelly-like texture.

History

The Osmanthus Cake has a long history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It was traditionally made during the autumn season when osmanthus flowers were in full bloom. The cake was often used as an offering in religious ceremonies and was considered a symbol of good fortune.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Osmanthus Cake are osmanthus flowers, sugar, and glutinous rice. The osmanthus flowers are known for their sweet, fragrant aroma and are often used in Chinese desserts and teas. The glutinous rice gives the cake its sticky, jelly-like texture.

Preparation

To prepare Osmanthus Cake, the osmanthus flowers are first soaked in water to extract their flavor. The water is then mixed with sugar to create a syrup. The syrup is then combined with glutinous rice flour to form a dough. The dough is then steamed until it becomes a translucent, jelly-like cake.

Cultural Significance

Osmanthus Cake is often consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese festival that celebrates the harvest moon. The sweet, fragrant flavor of the cake is said to symbolize the sweetness of life and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Variations

There are several variations of Osmanthus Cake in different regions of China. In some regions, the cake is made with additional ingredients such as red bean paste or jujube paste. In others, the cake is served with a side of osmanthus tea.

See Also

• Chinese cuisine
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Osmanthus fragrans
• Glutinous rice