Dragon Boat Festival & Zong Zi - 3rd piece of the series "Pioneers in Bettering the World"

Freshly steam cooked Zong Zi

I have always loved Zong Zi. The sweet, sticky rice snuggled in the fragrant leaves creates a pyramid-shaped treat. Every time my grandpa uncovers the pot of freshly cooked Zong Zi, the air fills with the distinct aroma of the wrapping leaves and the mouth-watering flavor of the sticky rice and fillings within.

Learning how to wrap Zong Zi from my grandpa is a fun-filled experience. Using fresh leaves (reed of bamboo leaves) to create a cup, I fill it with sticky rice, often accompanied by red bean for sweetness or smoked meat for a savory touch. The wrapping process is the most enjoyable part though it does require practice to gain the skill. As I carefully encase the filling, wrap the leaves around until the last bit, securing it with cords in a couple of circles, and voilà, a perfectly crafted Zong Zi is born!

Dragon Boat Festival & Zong Zi

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in some parts of Asia every year on the fifth of lunar May. It falls on June 22 in 2023. Originated in China, it dates to the ancient Warring States Period more than 2,200 years ago. The festival honors the life and accomplishments of Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet and highly influential politician. Qu is considered the “Father of the Chinese Romantic Poetry”. His patriotism and contributions to poetry made him a national hero. Despite dedicating himself to the people, he faced unfair treatment from the unwise kings and was exiled from his country. Upon the news that the Country of Chu perished in the wars of feudal lords, Qu ended his life by drowning himself on May 5th, proving his love for his motherland. The village people attempted to save Qu by jumping into their boats and scattering rice on the water to distract hungry fish from his body. Today, the festival tradition involves various activities such as dragon boat racing and enjoying Zong Zi.

Qu’s determination to fight for his belief reminds me of the strength of those who came before me and the inspiration to be involved in the betterment of society. 

Recipe – Zong Zi (serve of 4)

·     Prepare fresh reed or bamboo leaves. For dry leaves, soak them in tap water overnight. 2-3 leaves for each Zong Zi.

·     Prepare 3 feet of cords.

·     In a mixing bowl, prepare 200g of glutinous rice and 60g red bean (or 60g smoked meat), soak them in tap water overnight.  

·     Take 2-3 leaves in one hand, make a cup shape with the leaves.

·     Fill the “cup” with 50g rice and 15g red bean (or 15g smoked meat)

·     Wrap the leaves around the cup until the filling is fully covered. Use the cord to wrap around it a couple of times, tie the end.  

·     Add 2L water to a pot, put in Zong Zi. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15mins more.