Qingtuan is a green glutinous rice ball that is a very popular dessert in spring for the residents of Zhangjiagang – the county-level city in East China's Jiangsu province – as well as for those from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]

When talking about spring delicacies in Zhangjiagang, these rice balls are often the first thing that pop into the minds of the locals.

These seasonal delicacies are usually made from glutinous rice mixed with pounded mugwort  –  an edible wild herb thought to prevent toxic insect bites.

The glutinous texture and light green-grass fragrance makes them perfect for spring. In fact, the rice balls aren't even served at any other time of year. They are usually filled with a sugary pastry, sweet bean paste, or minced meat.