Another interesting aspect of the festival, besides the boat competition, is the making of various kinds of dumplings. The Chinese believe that eating these dumplings brings prosperity and longevity. Families spend the entire day praying for each other’s well-being. Typically, there are three types of dumplings made on that day: spicy, sweet, and plain.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, three types of dumplings, or zongzi (粽子), are particularly famous. Each type has its own unique flavor and preparation method, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions across China.

1. Spicy Zongzi (辣粽子)

Spicy zongzi are popular in regions that favor bold and intense flavors. These dumplings often contain savory ingredients such as marinated pork, spicy sausages, mushrooms, and sometimes even salted egg yolk. The rice used is typically glutinous rice mixed with soy sauce and other spices to enhance the flavor. These zongzi are wrapped in bamboo leaves, giving them a distinctive aroma when steamed or boiled.

– **Example:** A typical spicy zongzi might include pork belly marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili paste, wrapped together with sticky rice and mushrooms in bamboo leaves.

2. Sweet Zongzi (甜粽子)

Sweet zongzi are a favorite among those who enjoy desserts and sweets. These dumplings are often filled with ingredients like red bean paste, jujubes (Chinese dates), lotus seeds, or sweetened chestnuts. The sticky rice used for sweet zongzi is sometimes mixed with a little sugar to complement the filling. After being wrapped in bamboo leaves, they are steamed until the rice is tender and the fillings are perfectly melded.

– **Example:** A common sweet zongzi might contain a filling of red bean paste, with the glutinous rice subtly sweetened to balance the flavors.

3. Savory Zongzi (咸粽子)

Savory zongzi are the most traditional and widely consumed type during the Dragon Boat Festival. These dumplings are usually filled with a variety of meats and ingredients like pork, salted egg yolk, chestnuts, mushrooms, and dried shrimp. The rice is typically seasoned with soy sauce, giving it a rich, umami flavor. Wrapped tightly in bamboo leaves, these zongzi are steamed until all the flavors are thoroughly infused.

– **Example:** A classic savory zongzi might include marinated pork, salted egg yolk, dried shrimp, and chestnuts, all enveloped in seasoned sticky rice.

Each type of zongzi has its own unique preparation and regional variations, making them an integral part of the Dragon Boat Festival’s culinary traditions. Enjoying these dumplings is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a way to connect with the rich cultural heritage of China.