Gaozhou wormwood glutinous rice cake [Photo provided to guangdong.chinadaily.com.cn/maoming]

Gaozhou citizens have had a custom of eating wormwood glutinous rice cakes in Zhengqiong Festival (the last day of the first month) since ancient times to drive out plague and monsters and pray for happiness.

The wormwood is rubbed into a fluffy shape, cooked and dehydrated, and is made into glutinous rice cakes with rice, brown sugar, and stuffing. The glutinous rice cakes are then baked in the wood carvings and steamed in a steamer wrapped with banana or pineapple leaves. The cooked wormwood glutinous rice cakes taste soft and sweet. 　　

Wormwood is a perennial herb with a strong aroma. Wormwood leaves have antibacterial and antiviral effects, and can relieve asthma, cough and phlegm.