Researchers report discovery of 2,200-year-old precursor to zongzi

Chinese scientists have announced the discovery of an ancient food made about 2,200 years ago that they identify as a precursor to zongzi, a rice dumpling associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. The finding was reported in mid-August by a group of scientists from China. The available material names Yong Ge as a study author, but the account is incomplete and does not provide further details about the research team or the discovery.

Zongzi is made from rice and a filling, wrapped in bamboo leaves and cooked. The leaves contribute aroma and flavour to the dish, which is widely eaten in China during the annual festival held as the weather turns warm in June. The reported ancient food is therefore being linked to a longstanding culinary tradition through its apparent resemblance to zongzi.

However, the supplied account does not specify what the 2,200-year-old item was made from, how it was preserved, where it was found or what evidence led researchers to describe it as an ancestor of the modern dish. The report is attributed to the South China Morning Post. No additional comments, archaeological details or conclusions are included in the available source material.