Longyou's steamed rice cakes. [Photo/Tide News]

In Longyou county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province, the sight of a family gathered around the stove waiting for steamed rice cakes to be ready delivers a warmth that is unique to winter.

According to the ancient county annals, the tradition of making steamed rice cakes in Longyou dates back over 600 years.

For locals, the steamed rice cake symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Therefore, every household steams rice cakes and shares them with family members and friends during the Spring Festival period as a blessing for the coming year.

The process of making steamed rice cakes is unique, with the most distinctive feature being the addition of lard. The prepared lard is mixed with white sugar and rice flour, then combined with rice wine and stirred evenly. The mixture is poured into a steamer, left to ferment, and then steamed.

For aesthetic appeal and auspiciousness, the steamed rice cakes are often decorated with beautiful patterns or traditional symbols of good fortune.

Once steamed, the rice cakes emit a rich aroma of rice wine and lard, with a glossy surface and fluffy sides. The taste is soft, sweet, and sticky but not gummy.