Culinary Workshop: Cooking with Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is known as one of the Four Noble Plants of China and is a prominent ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine (otherwise known as TCM), prized for its cooling qualities. In this class, you’ll sample a variety of treats that feature the plant, including a chrysanthemum salad and a Double Ninth Cake, prepared by instructors Erika and Rachel, alongside a tea pairing. Then you’ll help Erika and Rachel prepare qingtuan—a mochi-like red bean treat whose wrapper gets its hue from chrysanthemum leaves—after which the instructors will demonstrate how to steam them.
Key Details
- All supplies and materials are included.
- All levels of experience are welcome, though the flavors we’ll explore in this class may not be kid-friendly.
- All treats will be vegetarian-friendly.
- Soy, nut, gluten, and egg cross contamination is possible, so those who have severe allergies should not attend this workshop.
Day of Program
- Check-in with Education staff at Admission window #10 at 8:30 a.m.
- General admission to The Huntington is included.
If you have any dietary concerns or general program questions, please email Joy Yamahata or call 626-405-3457.
About the Instructors
Rachel Lo is a self-taught Chinese American home cook and baker specializing in contemporary Asian American flavors. She draws endless inspiration from her childhood in Los Angeles surrounded by diverse flavors. Her food and educational videos have been featured on KCRW, Buzzfeed, the New York Times, and more. (@rachel_loaf on TikTok and Instagram)
Erika Ho is a self-taught Chinese Vietnamese American home baker and designer specializing in creating tea-based pastries. With a huge passion for both food and design, she incorporates her skills to showcase a balance of flavors, textures, and artistic structures. Her pastries have been noted in Eater LA under the previous shop name, Baby Bakeshop. (@ruyi_studio on Instagram)
The Chinese Medicinal Garden. Photo by Michelle Bailey. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Hu Zhengyan 胡正言, et al., Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting 十竹齋書畫譜, vol. 3, Ming dynasty, 1633, multicolor woodblock print on paper, 9 3/4 x 11 1/4 in. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Hua Yan (1682–1756), Enjoyment of Chrysanthemums, 1753, hanging scroll, ink and color on paper. | Saint Louis Art Museum, William K. Bixby Trust for Asian Art, 7:1954.
Sept. 14, 2024–Jan. 6, 2025 | This exhibition displays 24 artworks and a participatory exercise highlighting how Chinese gardens have served as transformative spaces for growing and contemplating plants, encouraging visitors to view their gardens as sources of delight, nourishment, and inspiration.
Liu Fang Yuan 流芳園, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance, is one of the finest classical-style Chinese gardens outside of China. Filled with Chinese plants and framed by exquisite architecture, the landscape is enriched with references to literature and art. Visitors can find both physical relaxation and mental stimulation when exploring the dramatic 15-acre garden.
The exhibition has been made possible with support from Getty through its PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative.
Southern California’s landmark arts event, PST ART, returned in September 2024 with more than 70 exhibitions from museums and other institutions across the region, all exploring the intersections of art and science, both past and present. PST ART is presented by Getty. For more information, visit PST ART: Art & Science Collide