Zhangjiajie Tujia snack－Ciba
 2016-12-20 16:46:17   Zhangjiajie Tourism Information Website  

Ciba is a kind of glutinous rice cake. There is an old custom in Tujia nationality, when the spring festival approaches, every family will prepare some Cibas to welcome this grand festival. After finishing making the small Ciba, several ingenious women will be asked to do some big Ciba, which represents a golden harvest and the generosity of Tujia people. Generally speaking, the small usually weighs 2 to 3 kilograms, while the big weighs more than 5 kilograms. The process of making Ciba asks for great labor intensity, thus it always be accomplished by two young men.

Making Ciba is a cultured procedure. People should coat their hands with bee wax or camellia oil so that ensuring the smooth and beauty. Eating Ciba is also a cultured procedure. As time goes by, Tujia people find many ways to enjoy this special cuisine. Such as roasting Ciba on the fire, cooking Ciba with green vegetables or frying Ciba with bacon and so on.

Sometimes, if the quantity of Ciba is more than eating up, Tujia people will soak the remaining Ciba in water to prevent it from addling within several months.

Translated by Becky