As summer temperatures soar, the demand for refreshing beverages in Pingtan, a coastal city in Fujian Province, has been on the rise. Amidst this surge, an unlikely star has emerged – the humble "Cao Yan," a type of seaweed that has long been a local delicacy. This unassuming ingredient is now transitioning from a traditional treat to an innovative and trendy beverage.

"Cao Yan," also known as the "Sea Stone Flower," grows on rocky shores and has been a cherished part of Pingtan's culinary heritage for generations. Locals fondly recall sipping on the cooling "Cao Yan" jelly during sweltering summer days of their childhood. However, the traditional preparation method resulted in a short shelf life and a slightly fishy taste, limiting its appeal beyond the local community.

Recognizing the need for innovation, enterprising businesses in Pingtan have taken the initiative to reinvent this age-old delicacy. One such establishment, a local fruit tea shop, has found success by incorporating "Cao Yan" as an ingredient in their signature beverages. "We used to sell 'Cao Yan' drinks separately, but the sales were disappointing," explained Mr. Xia, the shop's manager. "Now, we blend it with honey, coconut milk, and milk tea to create flavors that appeal to younger customers, and the overall sales have been quite promising."

Shi Kunhua (Right) pictured introducing "Cao Yan" to tourist

Another entrepreneurial venture, the Pingtan Cao Yan Xia Beverage Store, has taken the innovation a step further. "We've developed over 30 different flavors by combining 'Cao Yan' with fruit jams and fresh fruits," said Mr. Shi Kunhua, the store's owner. "We've also adopted a two-hour simmer and seal process and sterilization, extending the shelf life of our 'Cao Yan' drinks to nine months."

Visitors to the store are not only treated to the unique flavors but also educated about the rich history and cultural significance of "Cao Yan" in Pingtan. "The taste is truly special, and I haven't experienced anything like it elsewhere," remarked tourist Xue Mingkai. "It gives you a refreshing and cooling sensation, and learning about Pingtan's history and culture adds to the authentic experience."

To further promote "Cao Yan" beverages, the store has invested in eye-catching packaging designs featuring iconic Pingtan elements like windmills, traditional stone houses, and the vast ocean. This attention to detail has paid off, with the store selling over 10,000 bottles of "Cao Yan" drinks during the recent May Day holiday.

Shi Kunhua's confidence in the potential of "Cao Yan" beverages stems from extensive research. He has visited numerous coastal cities across China where "Cao Yan" is harvested, and his findings suggest that Pingtan's variety is of superior quality, with a higher gelatin yield during the simmering process.

While challenges remain in promoting and selling "Cao Yan" beverages, Shi Kunhua remains optimistic about their future. "Our goal is to share the story of 'Cao Yan' and promote Pingtan's culture, striving to make our 'Cao Yan' drinks a gilded calling card for our city," he said.

The innovative spirit extends beyond beverages, as the Pingtan Three Specialties Experience Hall has successfully transformed "Cao Yan" into a popular souvenir tea. "During the May Day holiday, our 'Cao Yan' tea gift sets were in such high demand that we ran out of stock," shared Ms. Lin Fang, the hall's manager.

The journey to create "Cao Yan" tea was not without its challenges, as the research team had to overcome issues like improving the gelatin yield during brewing, removing the fishy taste, and extending the shelf life. "After multiple rounds of technical improvements, our 'Cao Yan' tea now has an 18-month shelf life, and with simple brewing and cooling, it forms a smooth and refreshing 'Cao Yan' jelly," Lin Fang explained.

Visitors like Ms. Shen appreciate the convenience and uniqueness of the "Cao Yan" tea gift sets. "The packaging is exquisite, and the taste is truly special, making it an ideal gift. We can sample it here and have the staff ship it back home, which is incredibly convenient."

In recognition of its cultural significance, "Pingtan Three Specialties Cao Yan" has been included in the seventh batch of representative intangible cultural heritage items at the district level.

Through this innovative transformation, the humble "Cao Yan" of Pingtan is experiencing a renaissance, breathing new life and vitality into this traditional delicacy. By embracing innovation while preserving its heritage, Pingtan's "Cao Yan" is poised to captivate taste buds far beyond its coastal shores.