Perilla Peach with Ginger
紫苏桃子姜 · Zǐsū Táozi Jiāng
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📍 Hard to find
Zisu Taozi Jiang is a surprising and delightful Changsha specialty. Slices of firm, slightly unripe peach are pickled with shredded young ginger and perilla (shiso) leaves in a sweet-sour brine of sugar, salt, and rice vinegar. The perilla leaves release a stunning magenta color that dyes the entire mixture a beautiful pinkish-red. The result is a refreshing, crunchy pickle that's simultaneously sweet, sour, and aromatic, with a gentle warmth from the ginger. It's sold from street stalls in summer as a cooling snack.
📖 History
This pickle originated in Changsha in the 1990s, invented by a street vendor who experimented with the abundant summer produce. It quickly became a beloved local summer treat.
🍝 Where to eat it:
Street stalls near Donggua Mountain (冬瓜山) are famous for it. Also available at traditional snack shops during summer.
Street stalls near Donggua Mountain (冬瓜山) are famous for it. Also available at traditional snack shops during summer.