Located off the coast of Fujian and facing the Taiwan Straits, Pingtan is known not only for its island scenery but also for its rich intangible cultural heritage. Now, a traditional local rice paste craft is getting a fresh twist as a modern health snack for young people.

Ginseng and burdock rice paste biscuits on sale

Ginseng and burdock rice paste biscuits, a new health snack from Pingtan, recently secured a 2 million yuan ($276,000) supply deal with a biscuit manufacturer. The agreement marks a commercial breakthrough for Pingtan's traditional rice paste-making techniques.

The biscuits are based on the traditional Chinese principle that food and herbs can both nourish and heal. Ingredients including American ginseng, burdock root, goji berries, coix seeds and fox nuts are blended into biscuit dough using techniques inspired by traditional rice paste preparation. The final product combines a crisp texture with mild natural sweetness, while more than 26 percent of the recipe consists of herbal food ingredients.

The innovation lies in adapting the traditional rice paste craft for modern snack production, combining ancient grinding methods with contemporary baking technology to create a healthy everyday snack that is accessible for all.

The product was developed by Fujian Yangshengtang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. after eight months of research and development.

Founder Zheng Yunshou has long focused on improving traditional herbal food formulas and rice paste production techniques. Drawing on his family's historic "Yangsheng Hall" brand, he has worked to modernize traditional recipes while preserving their original characteristics. The company has also introduced products including grain-based rice paste blends, ginseng and goji rice paste, and rice paste cakes.

Lin Qian, a provincial science and technology specialist who has worked on preserving Pingtan's rice paste heritage, also provided guidance on the new biscuits.

According to Lin, the team has experimented with a variety of modern adaptations in recent years, including instant rice paste drinks and milk tea-style beverages, before deciding to focus on healthy snack products aimed at younger consumers.

She said the new grain biscuit products incorporate herbal ingredients commonly used on both sides of the Taiwan Straits while integrating Pingtan tourism-themed packaging to create distinctive local souvenirs.

"We hope traditional heritage can become part of everyday modern life," Lin said. "The goal is to turn intangible cultural heritage into something fashionable and widely accessible."