Colorful sticky rice wakes the taste buds of spring

In the serene Jingxi village in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Liang Sizhen immerses herself in crafting a dish of vibrant five-color sticky rice, a traditional food cherished by the Zhuang ethnic group.

Clad in an apron, Liang meticulously selected glutinous rice on a weathered yet pristine wooden table within her flower-filled courtyard.

She was exceptionally busy for the peak season of the Sanyuesan Festival, which is celebrated by Zhuang people on the third day of the third month of the Chinese calendar. This year the festival fell on March 31.

"Colorful sticky rice holds a special place in my heart, encapsulating the happiest memories of my childhood," Liang said.

Growing up in a mountainous village of Liucheng county, Guangxi, the 41-year-old said she cherished all the moments spent with her grandmother, from whom she fostered a deep love for the food and learned some basic traditional practices of making it.

The techniques of making the dish were listed among the third batch of the region's intangible cultural heritage in 2010.

Realizing its growing value, Liang started to focus on studying the techniques.

With over two years dedicated to the craft, Liang not only mastered the skills, but also developed her own creations.

Using local flowers and herbs, she made more than 10 natural dyes that added more colors and styles to the dish.

"To make exceptionally delicious colorful sticky rice, the grains must be plump, glossy and possess a substantial feel," Liang said.

However, it is the dyeing process that forms the soul of the food, she added.

Liang grasped a handful of maple leaves and placed them in an iron pot. As she pounded them vigorously with a wooden mallet, a delightful fragrance filled the air.

"Maple leaves can display the purest black hue, accompanied by a distinct aroma," Liang said.

When she finally lifted the steamer lid and unveiled a treasure trove of colorful sticky rice, the vibrant hues and enticing smell were captivating.

Typically, Liang's workday starts at 6 am and sometimes lasts until 2 am the following day.

"Compared with other products, my handmade colorful sticky rice with plant-based dyes are not only healthier but also more eco-friendly. I also choose a wood fire to steam the rice to keep the natural flavor," she said.

Liang has made videos showcasing her creation process, which have garnered widespread acclaim online. She receives orders for more than 600 kilograms of colorful sticky rice a year, which are not only sold in Guangxi, but also to Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces.

In the future, Liang wants to launch her own unique brand.

"Nature and the countryside harbor boundless treasures. My aspiration is to furnish everyone with authentic culinary delights and enable them to savor nature's marvels with every bite," Liang said.

zhangli@chinadaily.com.cn