[Video/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Willow leaves are a favorite of Rugao natives during spring, as the buds on willow branches start to sprout around Qingming Festival, which falls on April 5 this year. Rugao natives have a particular fondness for willow leaf pancakes.

Minced willow leaves are mixed with water, flour, eggs, salt and other seasonings. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

How are willow leaf pancakes made?

Mince the clean willow leaves, mix them with water and wheatmeal or buckwheat flour into a paste, and add eggs, salt and other seasonings to the mixture.

Spread a spoonful of the mixture over a frying pan. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Ladle a spoonful of paste to spread it over a hot frying pan. A fragrant smell is emitted as the paste is spread over the pan, which is heated over slow fire.

Flip the pancake when the bottom side turns golden yellow and cook the other side until it turns golden yellow.

A freshly-made willow leaf pancake. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

The smell and taste of freshly-made pancakes are very fresh and delicious.  

Now that you know how to make them, why not try it yourself?