Rushan cheese facts for kids
Rushan is a special type of cheese made from cow's milk in Yunnan, China. It's a traditional food of the Bai people, who live in that area. They have their own names for it, like nvxseiz.
This unique cheese gets its name, "milk fan" (which is what Rushan means in Mandarin Chinese), because it looks a bit like a folding fan when it's prepared.
How Rushan is Made
Rushan is made in a very interesting way. First, fresh cow's milk is turned into soft curds. Think of curds as the solid parts of milk that separate from the liquid. These curds are then carefully pulled and stretched until they become very thin sheets.
After being stretched, these thin sheets of cheese are wrapped around long bamboo sticks. Then, they are hung up to dry. As they dry, they change color, becoming yellow, and get a firm, leathery texture.
Ways to Enjoy Rushan
Rushan can be eaten in a few different ways, and each way gives it a unique taste and texture.
Grilled Rushan
One popular way to eat Rushan is to grill it. It's often cooked over charcoal, which makes the cheese warm and soft. When grilled, it's a common street food in Yunnan.
- Sweet Toppings: People usually spread sweet things on the inside of the grilled Rushan.
- A traditional topping is rose petal jam.
- Other popular choices include sweetened condensed milk, honey infused with rose petals, chocolate syrup, or different kinds of fruit preserves.
- Rolled Up: After adding the toppings, the grilled Rushan is often rolled around a stick. This makes it look a bit like an ice pop and is easy to eat while walking around.
Deep-Fried Rushan
Another delicious way to prepare Rushan is to deep-fry it. When deep-fried, the cheese becomes golden and crispy. Its texture changes, becoming somewhat flaky, which is a fun surprise for your taste buds!
