Lengzheng, a seasonal snack in Nantong. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

Every year around Guyu, or "Grain Rain", the sixth of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, the scent of green wheat will remind Nantong residents of an original local snack known as lengzheng.

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.

Local Zhang Jinhua recalled that lengzheng was a staple in the old days when people were short of food. It was ground by a stone mill instead of a machine, which made it look like green noodles.

As people's living standards have improved, it has become a traditional spring snack among locals, bringing nostalgia for the old days.

It took Zhang the entire morning to make around 10 kilograms of the snack. He said the snack is selling well since there are few people making it now. The price is 40 to 60 yuan ($9.23) per kilogram.

The snack is only available for around 20 days, and many people have driven to Beihao Bridge to buy it. Vendors usually place the snack in bamboo baskets and cover it with wet towels to keep it moist and clean.

There are various ways to eat the snack, such as eating it directly, dipping it in sugar, stuffing it with filling, or frying it with leeks or other fresh vegetables.

Local Zhang Jinhua stirs wheat grain over a gentle heat. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

Vendors sell lengzheng on the road side in Nantong. [Photo/ntjoy.com]