Three days before the Guyu, or “Grain Rain”, the sixth of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunar calendar, a seasonal Nantong snack known as lengzheng has already made its appearance on the city’s streets.

Lengzheng, literally meaning “cold steam”, is made of nearly ripe wheat and has a fresh and sweet flavor. It is made by stirring grain over a gentle heat, removing the peel, and grinding it into powder.

It was a popular snack in the old days when people were short of food. As people’s living standards have improved, it has become a traditional spring snack among locals.

The snack is only available for around 20 days.

Lengzheng, a seasonal snack in Nantong, is pictured, April 17. Vendors usually place the snack in bamboo baskets and cover it with wet towels to keep it moist and clean. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

A costumer scans a QR code to pay for a bag of lengzheng, April 17. [Photo/ntjoy.com]