May 31st is 端午节 (DuanWuJie, the May Festival) or the 5th day of the 5th month in Chinese lunar calendar. Together with the Autumn festival (full moon's day, 8th month) and New Year, it is the 3rd most celebrated festival in China. Like others, it has a special food associated with it. And that's Zong Zi, one of my favorite food.

It is sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled. They come in 3 general categories: meaty, sweet, and plain.

The meaty kind, most popular in the south, is the most flavorful. Port strips are a standard ingredient. But other varieties include chestnuts, peanuts, mushroom, etc. The so called "ShangHai" style is the benchmark.

The sweet kind usually has red bean paste in the center.

The plain kind sports either just rice or few more kinds of grains. It is usually served with sugar. It is more popular in the north.

All Zong Zi freeze well. Go to market these days and pick few by sizes, brand, or prices. Steam or microwave in leaves. Unwrap just before serving. Get a wet towel on the side to wipe your hands.

If you find the one you like, get a load of them in the freezer. It is a good "emergency food" like pizza take-outs.