Yunnan Flower Cake, or Xianhua Bing (鲜花饼), has a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Over the years, its production techniques have been refined, and its flavors have become more diverse. This pastry uses Yunnan’s unique fresh flowers, especially roses, which give the flower cake its distinctive flavor and cultural significance.
Main Ingredients and Production Process
The primary ingredients of Yunnan Flower Cake include flour, sugar, red bean paste, osmanthus syrup, osmanthus sugar, milk powder, raisins, sesame seeds, and Yunnan’s unique edible roses and other fresh flowers. The meticulous production process generally includes the following steps:
- Dough Preparation: Mix flour with sugar, milk powder, and yeast to make the dough, then let it ferment in a warm place.
- Filling Preparation: Prepare fillings such as red bean paste, honey, osmanthus syrup, and possibly rose petals or syrup.
- Shaping and Baking: Roll the fermented dough into small balls, press them into thin circles, fill them with the prepared filling, shape them, and finally bake them.
Taste and Characteristics
Yunnan Flower Cake is known for its sweet, soft, and glutinous texture, vibrant colors, and unique flavor. The cake’s crust is soft and easily digestible, with a smooth texture that isn’t greasy. The filling is rich and varied, with moderate sweetness that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. The addition of fresh flowers gives the flower cake a unique floral aroma and flavor.
Regional Specialties and Brands
In Yunnan, flower cakes can be found almost everywhere, but those from Dali and Lijiang are particularly famous. Dali’s flower cakes are made with sesame, jujube, walnut, rose, and milk, featuring thin crusts and rich fillings. Lijiang’s flower cakes use ingredients like osmanthus, lily, black pepper, and tea leaves, offering a sweet and aromatic taste. Kunming’s flower cakes are also well-known, with Caoyan Steamed Cakes from Zongfu Street being a notable example, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Price and Preservation
The price of Yunnan Flower Cake varies by region, ingredients, and brand. Locally in Yunnan, a typical flower cake costs between 10-20 RMB. In tourist areas or high-end restaurants, prices may range from 20-50 RMB. The shelf life of flower cakes depends on their ingredients and storage method: they usually last 2-3 days at room temperature, 5-7 days refrigerated, and several months frozen. It’s important to store them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Consumption Recommendations
Flower cakes can be enjoyed with milk to reduce dryness and increase satiety. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation to avoid adverse health effects. Pairing flower cakes with herbal tea can enhance their unique flavor and health benefits.
