Beijing Specialty: Eight-Treasure Rice is a sweet delicacy perfect for festivals and hospitality. After steaming glutinous rice, mix it with white sugar, pork fat, and boiling water until well combined. Arrange candied dates in a bowl in a pattern, with red bean paste and osmanthus in the center, then cover with the glutinous rice, press it flat, and steam in a bamboo steamer for an hour. When serving, scoop it out. Variations of the recipe exist across regions, but the main ingredients typically include glutinous rice, sugar, oil, osmanthus, red dates, Job’s tears, lotus seeds, longan, and so on.
Cultural Significance: The Eight-Treasure Rice is said to have originated from the celebration banquet after King Wu of Zhou defeated King Zhou of Shang. King Zhou was known for his strength, agility, eloquence, and his authoritarian rule. In 1123 BC, King Wu led a coalition of feudal lords to defeat King Zhou at Muye, south of Hong County, Henan Province. After King Zhou’s death, King Wu established his rule and built his capital in Haojing, which is now in the western Shanglin Garden of Chang’an. During King Wu’s campaign against King Zhou, eight distinguished scholars—Boda, Bosi, Zhongtu, Zhonghu, Shu Ye, Shu Xia, Ji Sui, and Ji Pian—played significant roles and were highly praised by King Wu and the people. At the celebration banquet, the chefs created the Eight-Treasure Rice to honor these eight scholars, with the use of hawthorn symbolizing the burning of King Zhou.
Health Benefits: Eight-Treasure Rice is known to strengthen the spleen and stomach, nourish the kidneys and eliminate dampness. It is visually appealing with a bright color, sweet and chewy texture, and a soft sweetness that is not greasy, offering a unique flavor.
Glutinous Rice: Rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, and starch, glutinous rice is a nutritious and warming food that strengthens the body. It has the effects of replenishing energy, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and stopping night sweats. It can alleviate symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. Its astringent properties also provide dietary benefits for frequent urination and night sweats.
Pork Fat (Lard): Lard contains various fatty acids, with a balanced amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, providing a high caloric content and rich in vitamins A and E. Due to its high calorie and cholesterol content, it is not recommended for the elderly, people with diabetes and obesity, and those with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Phoenix Lee https://chinese-tradition.com/beijings-sweet-treat-eight-treasure-rice.html