Western Yunnan in Southwest China is home to one of the oldest money-making trees in the country - the lacquer tree. The fruits of these lacquer trees are nearly 30 percent edible oil, the sole source of vegetable oil for locals when transportation was not as convenient as today.
Freshly extracted lacquer tree oil is strong and pungent to the nose, and its scent even denser and richer when heated.
With better logistics, lacquer tree oil has become the novel choice for foodies outside of Yunnan province.
The second season of Flavorful Origins, another masterpiece by Chinese food documentary director Chen Xiaoqing, the creator of A Bite of China, is now online at Tencent.com.
The season, consisting of 10 episodes, will shine a spotlight on Southwest China's Yunnan province, a region blessed with abundant sunlight, fresh produce and exotic spices.
