Asia-Pacific News
Chinese authorities stipulate shape and size of steamed buns
Jan 3, 2008, 12:21 GMT
Beijing - A regulation by Chinese quality authorities over the correct size and shape of the country's steamed buns has met with consternation among the country's bakers, it was reported Thursday.
The regulations, which came into effect on the first day of the year, state that the culinary favourite enjoyed particularly in the country's north must not have corners or be small, the Xinhua news agency reported.
'I make round and cornered steamed buns in the same way,' said one producer. 'Does that mean I can no longer call the cornered ones steamed buns?'
Made from wheat flour, water and yeast, Chinese steamed buns (or mantou) in the cornered form are more easily produced and transported. However regional variants come in all sizes and forms.
'Some like big mantou, others small - how can anyone make such a regulation?' asked one restauranteur.
According to the new standards, mantou should have a wrinkle- and spot-free surface, have a moisture content of at most 45 per cent and taste of flour.
© 2008 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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