A longevity peach, or shoutao, is a type of lotus seed bun, sometimes with a filling made of red bean paste or lotus paste. It is white with a red dyed tip with a crease along the side, mimicking the shape of a peach. Occasionally, bakers add green decorations that mimic leaves.[1] The longevity peach is a representation of Peaches of Immortality. According to Chinese folk legends, these peaches ripen every thousands of years, and grant immortality to humans when consumed.[2]

Longevity peaches, with sweet lotus paste inside
Shoutao in a bamboo steamer
Longevity peach
Traditional Chinese壽桃
Simplified Chinese寿桃
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinshòu táo
Hakka
Pha̍k-fa-sṳsu thò
Yue: Cantonese
Jyutpingsau6 tou4
Southern Min
Hokkien POJsiū-thô
Eastern Min
Fuzhou BUCsêu tò̤

The pastry is typically served at the birthdays of elderly people to celebrate their achievement in having reached old age.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "All you want to know about Cantonese birthday buns!". CBC Kids. Canadian Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Longevity peaches". Chinatownlogy. Archived from the original on 7 February 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2021.