Local gorgon nuts are expected to come onto the market by the end of this month, which is earlier than usual, and are estimated to be priced at RMB120 yuan per 500 grams — about the same as last year.
The nutritious and glutinous gorgon nut is a specialty of Suzhou. Its rooster-head shape has earned it the name “鸡头米”, which literally translates as “rooster’s head rice”.
There are plenty of ways to cook gorgon nuts. The most common one among the locals is blanching them and sprinkling sugar or sweet osmanthus flowers on top. Besides, gorgon nut syrup, gorgon nuts fried with shrimp meat or beans are also recommended.