Stone moss

Grilled rock moss.

Rock moss is a type of moss that grows on large rocks in headwater streams, where the water is clear and flows swiftly year-round. Not every stream has delicious moss, and not everyone knows how to harvest it. According to the Tay people, moss is only delicious when it is young, dark green, soft, and free of impurities. The moss season usually begins from late autumn to the end of spring, when the weather is cool and the stream water is clear and clean.

Preparing rock moss requires meticulousness and skill. After harvesting, the moss must be washed repeatedly under clean water and squeezed thoroughly to remove impurities and its natural fishy smell. Next, the moss is finely chopped and mixed with characteristic mountain spices such as ginger, lemongrass, chili, lime leaves, and especially mắc khén and dổi seeds – spices that create the unique flavor of Tay cuisine . Depending on availability, people may add lard or minced meat to enhance the flavor.

From moss, the Tay people of Xuan Giang can prepare many dishes such as stir-fried moss, moss soup, but the most popular and favored is grilled moss. After marinating, the moss is wrapped in dong leaves or banana leaves and placed on a charcoal grill. When cooked, the moss emits a characteristic pungent aroma, with a rich, fatty taste, blended with the fragrance of forest spices, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Locals harvest moss from rocks.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, Xuan Giang is gradually becoming an attractive destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace. After tiring days at work, a weekend getaway to the mountains and forests of Xuan Giang, immersing oneself in the fresh air of babbling streams and lush green forests, and enjoying the simple yet unique dish of rock moss by a warm fire, visitors can shed all their worries and fatigue. It is the simplicity and purity of the dish that creates its unique charm, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste in the hearts of those who enjoy it.

More than just a common dish in everyday meals, moss also appears on special occasions such as festivals, holidays, or when families welcome honored guests. For the Tay people, moss dishes represent their respect for nature, the skill of their women, and the spirit of community cohesion in their daily lives.

Today, in the context of integration and development, the dish of moss on rocks is still preserved by the Tay people of Xuan Giang commune as an indispensable part of their cultural identity. Preserving and introducing this unique dish not only contributes to enriching the culinary landscape of Tuyen Quang, but also opens up avenues for developing experiential tourism and community tourism associated with traditional culture.

Tien Chien

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/am-thuc/202601/reu-da-8384a0c/