Matang Jiaoxie: A humble roasted-wheat snack that is popular in Nantong's Rudong county. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

A humble roasted-wheat snack known as Matang Jiaoxie is being celebrated as a cherished local intangible cultural heritage in Rudong county, Nantong. For generations, this simple, rustic food has been a staple for farmers during the busy harvest season and a comforting reminder of their childhood for locals, carrying with it deep memories of home.

The snack's enduring flavor lies in its time-honored, artisanal production. Makers select locally harvested wheat and roast it using traditional earthen stoves and a slow fire, a process requiring precise temperature control handed down through generations.

The wheat is stir-fried in a wok until it turns a rich, amber brown. After cooling, it is ground into a fine powder using an old-fashioned stone mill. True to its heritage, the recipe contains no artificial flavorings, preservatives, or additives, ensuring the pure, wholesome taste of the grain.

To enjoy the snack, one simply adds boiling water to the flour, releasing a deep, toasty wheat aroma. The resulting porridge has a creamy texture with subtle, grainy bits of wheat bran. It is incredibly versatile: sweetened with brown sugar, it becomes a warming and nourishing breakfast; mixed with pickled vegetables, it offers a savory, home-style meal. Known for its comforting qualities, it has become a popular choice for health-conscious office workers and the elderly alike, offering a taste of tradition in a modern, convenient form.