Geng Yinxiang is making steamed buns. Photo by reporter Feng Yisong Correspondent Sun Chao
In Geng Yinxiang’s fruit and vegetable steamed bun shop in Lucheng District, Changzhi City, there are many uniquely shaped steamed buns on display. She said: "The flower buns are both delicious and beautiful, reflecting people's yearning for a better life."
In 2015, Geng Yinxiang decided to start a business making flower buns. In order to be able to make various styles of steamed buns, she also went to study abroad. On this basis, she inherited the flower bun crafting techniques of the older generation and innovated them. Finally, she made a variety of special flower buns, attracting many young customers to buy them.
Geng Yinxiang told reporters that she was making longevity buns for a customer named Zhao Jingfang. “The process of making this kind of longevity buns is relatively complex,” Geng Yinxiang said. “For example, the peonies on the longevity buns need to be arranged in four layers. A total of more than 20 flowers need to be made. It takes more than ten minutes to make one flower, so it is very labor-intensive. "
Using dough as material and hands as craftsmanship, the small dough seemed to be enchanted. After being kneaded and pressed several times in Geng Yinxiang's hands, in just a few minutes, a delicate red peony appeared on her fingertips. bloom. According to her, making steamed buns requires multiple processes, and the more beautiful the steamed buns, the more processes they require. For example, making peonies requires color mixing, fermentation, shaping, and steaming. The shaping process also includes rubbing, cutting, kneading, balling, and kneading. It especially tests the patience and care of the maker, and requires careful technique. .
In addition to peonies, red roses, lucky bags, yellow persimmons, apples, colorful koi, phoenix, etc. are also used to decorate the steamed buns. Its color comes from pigments in natural fruits and vegetables to ensure the safety of the steamed buns.
Looking at the exquisite and unique flower buns in front of him, Zhao Jingfang, who came to pick up the goods, showed uncontrollable surprise in his eyes: "This is a longevity bun made for my grandma to celebrate her 80th birthday. I heard that the flower buns here are... Green and natural, vegetable and fruit juice, very healthy, unique shape, good meaning, more innovative than cake..."
From food to art, from the tip of the heart to the fingertips, Geng Yinxiang condenses the indescribable complex in Among the exquisite flower buns, it has become a work of art that everyone loves. Today, Huamo has become the first batch of district-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects in Lucheng District. Geng Yinxiang came up with a wish to "flower" everywhere: "I want to continue to innovate and learn, make more special flower buns, slowly expand the scale, recruit some apprentices, and let more people understand and learn flower buns. Let the traditional culture of steamed buns continue to be passed down.
Reporter Feng Yisong Correspondent Duan Tingting
