Written by Clementine |
When autumn approaches, a traditional fine dessert named Persimmon Cake (also called Shi Zi Bing in Chinese) will appear at roadside restaurants and stalls in Xi’an, especially in Muslim Quarter. The cake looks golden yellow on both sides, soft and round in shape. Taking a bite, you will be amazed by its unique aroma which is as sweet and fragrant as osmanthus flowers. If taking Xi’an food tours during this period, you should not miss the chance to sample this popular dessert.
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- Xi’an Persimmon Cake is Closely Related to An Uprising Leader
- What does it taste like?
- Where to Try Persimmon Cake in Xian
- Best Time to Eat
- How to Make Xi’an Persimmon Cake – Recipe
- FAQs about Persimmon Cake in Xian
- Eat Through Xian with China Xian Tour
Xi’an Persimmon Cake is Closely Related to An Uprising Leader
According to a legend spreading out in the center area of Shaanxi Province, Li Zicheng, a leader of peasant uprisings, built up a new regime in Xi’an and then continued his march to Beijing, the capital of the feudal dynasty of Ming (1368-1644). Because of the poor harvest, local people had to prepare other kinds of food to be the rations for Li’s troops. It was autumn then, so they picked ripe persimmons and mix them with flour to make persimmon cakes.
This kind of cake not only was sweet and delicious, but also kept soldiers feeling full for longer. Energetic and militant, Li’s army overthrew the feudal system and established their own revolutionary regime of peasants in the city of Beijing.
Since then, local people have kept it a tradition to make persimmon cakes every autumn when the trees are dripping with fiery-red fruits in memory of the legendary leader.
What does it taste like?
In short, the persimmon cake tastes warm and sweet. The authentic Xi’an persimmon cakes are usually made from the local Huojing persimmon of Lintong, which is juicy and sweet. Through drying, the moisture in persimmons gradually evaporates, sugar condenses, and the pectin in the flesh becomes soft and sticky. So after baking in the oil for a few minutes, though its outer skin is slightly crispy, the filling remains soft and glutinous.
To enhance the taste, some stores will also add some other ingredients to the fillings, like osmanthus and walnut kernels. It is advised to eat the freshly baked persimmon cakes, which have the best taste. If it cools down, the filling may become hard and its flavor will not be satisfactory.
Where to Try Persimmon Cake in Xian
The most recommended place is the Muslim Quarter and the surrounding area. You can find it easily in many stores in Muslim Quarter. The famous stores there include Lao Xu Jia Persimmon Cake (老徐家柿子饼) and Yi Gu Zhai Persimmon Cake (伊古斋黄桂柿子饼). It is also available in some other food streets, like Sajinqiao Food Street.
Best Time to Eat
October to February is the best time to taste the persimmon cake, especially December and January. Because the persimmons ripen during late September and October. And the duration to process and dry the fresh persimmons into raw materials for persimmon cakes is about half a month to one month, so tourists will find persimmon cakes on the market after October.
How to Make Xi’an Persimmon Cake – Recipe
Persimmons produced at Lintong District in Xi’an are the main ingredients to make Persimmon Cakes. The way to bake the cakes is as follows:
- Get away with the calyxes and receptacles of persimmons. Knead the persimmons together with wheat flour into sticky pastes and knead further again into dough;
- Fetch some dough, roll them into round pieces and wrap in the persimmon fillings. Roll the paste between your palms to form smooth balls and then flatten them out with your hand;
- Lay the cakes in the pan with rapeseeds oil for baking. When the bottom side turns out reddish, turn over for a 5-minute further baking. And the Persimmon Cakes will be ready when both sides turn out equally shiny-red.
FAQs about Persimmon Cake in Xian
What is the symbolism of persimmons in Chinese culture?
Persimmons are usually auspicious in Chinese culture. Because “persimmon” pronounce the same as “event” in Chinese, so it often symbolizes “everything goes well”. Besides, its round shape and red color symbolize reunion, prosperity and good fortune
Why it’s associated with autumn in northern China?
Because persimmons are seasonal fruits in autumn, which usually fully ripen around the Frost’s Descent in October. And in the northern China, there is a custom of eating persimmons on Frost’s Descent. Because people believe that eating persimmons at this time can keep warm and protect against the cold.
Is Persimmon Cake available year-round?
No. Persimmon cakes are mainly available in autumn and winter from October to February.
Are there any famous or historic shops specializing in Persimmon Cake?
Yes. The most famous stores are above-mentioned Lao Xu Jia Persimmon Cake and Yi Gu Zhai Persimmon Cake in Muslim Quarter. In Sajinqiao Food Street, there is also Ma Er Li Persimmon Cake (马尔里黄桂柿子饼) and Orchard Red Bean Persimmon Cake (果园红豆柿饼糕) where offer creative persimmon cakes and preferred by the youth.
Can it be stored or taken home as a souvenir?
Of course. But remember to ask the merchant to use vacuum packaging. And it can be stored for 1 – 2 weeks in room temperature and 3 – 10 months in a refrigerator.
Eat Through Xian with China Xian Tour
Besides persimmon cake, Xian is also famous for various kinds of noodles and snacks. Tourists can not miss the delicious local food. If you are interested in it, China Xian Tour can tailor a trip combining both the authentic local food and the well-known scenic spots based on your preferences. In this tour, you will have an in-depth understanding of the city culture. So contact us right now to plan your Xian tour.
