College students' innovative steamed buns snapped up by catering company for 30,000 yuan

College students in central China's Hubei Province have sold the recipe and techniques behind a line of four-seasons-themed steamed buns to a catering company for 30,000 yuan (about $4,360).

Ding Yichen, a cuisine and nutrition education major at Wuhan Business University in Hubei provincial capital Wuhan, described the steamed buns as nutritious and health-boosting.

Photo shows innovative steamed buns themed on the four seasons made by college students from central China's Hubei Province.

The steamed buns took first prize at a food innovation competition in November 2025, catching the eye of the catering company.

Inspired by the artistry of decorative pastries, the steamed buns bring the four seasons to life through floral motifs featuring spring orchids, summer lotuses, autumn chrysanthemums and winter plums, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese aesthetics.

The dough is leavened with classic yeast and enriched with milk powder and butter, giving it a light, fluffy texture and a rich aroma. The filling is infused with a blend of Chinese herbs.

Photo shows members of the team creating the innovative steamed buns themed on the four seasons. 

The development process was no walk in the park. To nail the perfect fermentation time and temperature, the team ran countless experiments, fine-tuning every variable to get the ideal softness, texture and flavor. They also overcame several technical hurdles, including balancing shape and fermentation, sealing the filling without leaks, and stabilizing the color.

The steamed buns are now in the final stage of refinement, and more healthy, trend-driven foods aimed at young consumers could follow based on market feedback.

(Photos above provided by Li Yujia and Zheng Ziyan)