Deep in Qujing: Savoring spring with wild greens in Luoping

Wild greens in Luoping

In Luoping County, located in eastern Yunnan’s Qujing City, nature not only creates breathtaking landscapes but also nurtures a unique culinary tradition—feasting on flowers and wild greens. Here, flowers are not just for admiration. They’re an essential part of the dining table.

The people of Luoping infuse their love for spring into every meal. By frying, boiling, baking, and pickling, they transform spring blossoms and wild greens into dishes bursting with different flavors and textures.

The tradition of eating spring flowers and wild greens in Luoping spans generations. From water celery salad to stir-fried spring blossoms and slow-cooked wild root vegetables, these ingredients are cherished as "eco-friendly vegetables" because of their natural abundance.

Stir-fried wild greens

As the weather warms up, the variety of wild greens increases.

“Our village restaurants have added many seasonal dishes featuring these greens. Every morning, we visit the market to source fresh produce. Some of the popular dishes include stewed ribs with dong quai (Angelica sinensis), fried rapeseed flowers, and stir-fried wild fern shoots," shared the owner of a local countryside restaurant.

Stir-fried wild greens

If each season had a flavor, Luoping's spring would taste like wild greens. Now is the perfect time to savor the freshness of these seasonal delights. Come to Luoping and experience the taste of spring!

Stewed ribs with dong quai (Angelica sinensis)

Source: Luoping Updates; Trans-editing by Guo Yao; Proofreading by Wang Shixue (YICC); English polishing by Franklin (CICG)