As the summer heat bears down, rich and greasy foods lose their usual appeal, giving way to lighter, fresher dishes that soothe the body and lift the spirit.

In the picturesque Yindou village in Wangcang county, Guangyuan, Sichuan province, about 20 hectares of lily flowers are now in full bloom. Their graceful blossoms carry a time-honored tradition of culinary use.

Lily flowers are in full bloom in Wangcang county, Guangyuan, Sichuan province. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Known for clearing heat, calming the mind, and enhancing facial beauty, lily petals have long found their way into local kitchens. During the blooming season, villagers pick the flowers, removing the stamens and keeping only the tender petals.

After washing, the petals will be finely chopped and mixed with savory fillings like cured pork, spring onions, and sesame seeds.

The locals then take well-proofed dough, roll it out thinly, spread the lily mixture on top, and shape it into flower-like rolls. A quick steam transforms these simple ingredients into exquisite lily flower rolls.

Fresh out of the steamer, the rolls are soft and fluffy, with juicy, aromatic fillings that combine the sweetness of lilies with the rich depth of cured meat, creating a uniquely layered taste.

For locals, the lily flower steamed twisted rolls are more than just a seasonal delicacy—they are a cherished taste of home, woven into the fabric of life in Wangcang's verdant hills.