Plant leaves for wrapping zongzi in China: an ethnobotanical study

Abstract

BackgroundZongzi, a common Chinese rice-pudding and one of the most symbolic foods in traditional Chinese festivals, is integral to both Chinese traditional culture and daily meals. Traditionally, the leaves of different plant species have been used to wrap zongzi. The variety of zongzi leaves (ZLs) can contribute to the zongzi-based cultural diversity. Given the cultural and dietary significance of zongzi, the ethnobotanical surveys were carried out, aiming to investigate the diversity of plant species and associated traditional botanical knowledge of ZLs, which could attract particular attention for their further studies.MethodBoth literature studies and field surveys were conducted in the study. The field investigations were carried out from May 2006 to June 2018 throughout China. Ethnobotanical information about ZLs was obtained by direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and key informant interviews.ResultsIn total, ZLs from 57 plant species were identified and recorded, belonging to 38 genera and 18 families. Several folk legends have been formed to explain the origin of using plant leaves to pack zongzi. Over time, Chinese people have developed diverse traditional botanical knowledge surrounding ZLs, especially regarding the zongzi flavor, antiseptic functions, and medicinal values. Based on the literature review, some species of ZLs such as the leaves of Corchorus capsularis and Vernicia fordii may even pose a potential threat to human health. Presently, in some regions of China, the traditional ZLs, such as Cocos nucifera, Tilia tuan, and Zizania latifolia, are being substituted by commercialized ZLs such as Phragmites australis and Indocalamus tessellatus.ConclusionA variety of traditional ZLs have been discovered in China. Although diverse traditional knowledge exists in China surrounding the usage of ZLs, some species may have the potential of threatening human health. Therefore, further explorations are necessary to comprehensively evaluate traditional ZLs, the results of which could help to conserve the cultural diversity of zongzi, to guarantee food safety, and to encourage the uses of plant leaves in food, medicine, and environmental management, for our human health.

Herbal plants traded at the Kaili medicinal market, Guizhou, China

“…Like other linguistic groups, the Miao people also have the custom of collecting medicinal plants for cooking and bathing on the Dragon Boat Festival (the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar), including Acorus calamus , Dipsacus asperoides , Paederia scandens, and Leonurus artemisia . Many plants are harvested in the season around the Dragon Boat Festival [ 37 ], and thus it is the most prosperous time on Kaili medicinal market.…”

Documentation of Plant-Based Food Wrapper Utilised by Communities in Bintulu, Sarawak

“…One species is a shrub; Dillenia suffruticosa and one species is a climber; Nepenthes ampullaria. This study recorded more plant species that were tree compared to the study conducted by Lin et al (2019) in China which reported that most plant habit used as plant-based food wrapper were herb followed by trees and no presence of shrub or climber were documented. Based on the preliminary interview, the tree is usually chosen because of its availability in the forest where no cultivation is needed.…”

“…Respondents also informed that leaves need the shortest time to prepare compared to other parts which also can help to shorten the cooking time. Many previous studies have been reported regarding the use of plant leaves to wrap food in many countries and regions (Lin et al, 2019). In addition, leaves such as banana leaves are commonly used due to their flexibility, and durability, and can be folded easily (Harijati et al, 2013).…”

Medicinal Plants and Fungi Traditionally Used by Dulong People in Northwest Yunnan, China

“…During the Dragon Boat Festival, people often hang A. calamus and Artemisia argyi ( ai in Chinese) together on the front door to protect family members from evil. Different ethnic groups use A. calamus for different purposes, such as cleaning water, repelling mosquitoes and wrapping zongzi ( Shu et al, 2018 ; Lin et al, 2019 ). The majority of the Dulong will grow A. calamus in their home gardens to get a ready sufficiently of the medicine, and for ornamental and cultural value.…”