Huangjiang, also known as Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright, is a monocotyledonous plant of the Dioscoreaceae family, Dioscorea genus, and is endemic to China. There are about 850 species of Dioscorea worldwide, with around 30 species accounting for over 1% of the world's saponin content. China has approximately 50 species, among which 17 species, 1 subspecies, and 2 varieties contain saponins, making up over 50% of the world’s saponin-containing plants, with a content as high as 16.15%. This exceeds the 15% record of Dioscorea composita from Mexico, making it the top variety in the world. Huangjiang is an ideal raw material for extracting steroidal hormone medications. Saponins (commonly known as diosgenin), when their steroidal structure compounds are modified, can yield various steroidal hormone drugs. The initial products extracted from Huangjiang rhizomes include diosgenone, progesterone acetate (monoester), prednisone, cortisone series, as well as intermediates or drugs such as oxytocin and contraceptives — numbering in the thousands. Although China started later, it can still synthesize nearly 100 types of products. In short, using Huangjiang as a raw material, it is possible to synthesize and convert into a range of essential products such as sex hormones, anabolic hormones, and corticosteroid hormones that are critical for national livelihoods. For this reason, the pharmaceutical industry calls it “medicinal gold.” In addition to domestic demand, it has been in high demand in over 120 countries and regions including the United States, Germany, France, and Japan. Furthermore, Huangjiang contains not only saponins but also 45–50% starch, which can be used in the brewing industry to produce alcohol, yeast powder, inosine powder, glucose, etc. Its 40–50% cellulose content can be used to produce carboxymethyl cellulose. The waste liquid from diosgenin extraction can yield agricultural nucleic acids, which serve as high-quality fertilizer. The rhizomes also have a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical, food, high-end cosmetics, and veterinary medicine industries. For instance, when used directly as medicine, the rhizomes have the effects of removing dampness and clearing heat and toxins, and are used in folk medicine to treat acute suppurative skin infections, soft tissue injuries, bee stings, insect bites, and various surgical inflammations, as well as to strengthen bones and physique. Water-soluble active substances can be used to produce diosbulbin, which treats coronary heart disease effectively with minimal side effects.
Zhangwan Han River Cherries are a specialty of Zhangwan District, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. “Zhangwan Han River Cherries” possess distinct regional characteristics and are a premium fruit unique to the Shiyan area. The Han River cherry is both ornamental in bloom and delicious as fruit, earning it the title of “the first fruit of spring.” It generally begins flowering in early March, unfolds leaves in mid to late March, and ripens from mid-April to early May...
Tender celery from Angou is a specialty of Angou Village in Huaguo Subdistrict, Zhangwan District, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. The village has suitable soil and climate conditions, producing tender celery that is crisp in texture, delicious in taste, and uniquely aromatic, enjoying high market recognition. Angou Village was one of the first specialized vegetable-growing villages in the urban area of Shiyan. Over 50% of the per capita net income of the villagers comes from vegetable cultivation…
Wild Gastrodia Elata is purely natural, non-toxic, rare, and a gift from nature. Gastrodia Elata, originally named "Chijian" (Red Arrow), is referred to as "Dingfeng Cao" (Wind-Calming Grass) in the Compendium of Materia Medica. Later, legend had it that it was a gift from the heavens, and thus it came to be called "Gastrodia Elata." It is a precious traditional Chinese medicinal herb that grows deep in mountain valleys. One…
Pan Duck is a famous local delicacy of Fangxian. According to the *Fangxian Annals*, ducks come from Quanshui Bay, dozens of miles west of the West Gate, where over a hundred households line the shore amid blooming flowers and willows. The bay has dozens of springs, and the river water is clear and teeming with small aquatic life, making it easy for ducks to fatten—these are known as Fang Ducks. Its history can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, when Pan Duck was offered as a tribute to the emperor by local officials...
Stir-fried Double Delicacies with Luohan Bamboo Shoots, crisp and tender with a refreshing taste and unique flavor. Ingredients: 300g Luohan bamboo shoots, 100g fresh squid, 4.5g fine salt, 10g Shaoxing wine, 50g clear soup, 25g wet starch, 100g chicken gizzard, 1.5g MSG, 1.5g minced scallion, 0.5g minced ginger, 500g white oil (approximately 50g consumed)...
To most people, small flower mushrooms are known for their flavor but are usually used as a seasoning. However, in Fang County—where these fresh small flower mushrooms are produced—the tender young mushrooms can actually be stir-fried lightly and served as a dish on their own. With minimal seasoning, the innate richness and umami of the small flower mushrooms shine through completely. In fact, it’s thanks to continuous advancements in mushroom cultivation technology that this once rare delicacy, the “small flower mushroom,” can now be enjoyed in hearty, whole-plate portions. Coupled with the rich nutritional content of mushrooms and new claims about their anti-cancer properties, eating them brings a deep sense of satisfaction.
“Fangling Yellow Rice Wine” boasts a long history and was known in ancient times as “Frontier Imperial Wine” or “Emperor-Sealed Royal Wine.” Historical records indicate that Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine was first produced in 492 BC during the reign of King Goujian of Yue, whereas “Fangling Yellow Rice Wine” had already become “Frontier Imperial Wine” as early as 827 BC during the Western Zhou Dynasty. The world-renowned author of the Book of Songs, Yin...
Fangxian County in Hubei Province is a nationally renowned production base for black fungus and is widely celebrated as the "Hometown of Black Fungus." In the international trade market, it has earned the prestigious title of "Fang Ear" due to its bright color, thick flesh, large size, superior quality, and rich nutrition. The black fungus here is described as "shaped like a swallow and resembling flight," also known as Yan Ear, and is hailed as the "King of Mountain Delicacies"…
The scientific name of enoki mushrooms is Flammulina velutipes. Commonly known as Flammulina, brown mushroom, or winter mushroom, they are named enoki mushrooms due to their slender stems that resemble daylily stems. They belong to the genus Flammulina in the family Tricholomataceae under the order Agaricales. Enoki mushrooms are widely distributed in nature and can be found in China, Japan, Russia, Europe, North America, Australia, and other regions. In China, they grow from Heilongjiang in the north...
Region of origin for Yunxi Eucommia: Hubei Applicant: Yunxi County Agricultural Technology Extension Center Publication date: 2016 Region covered The production area of Yunxi Eucommia is located within the jurisdiction of 18 towns (townships) in Yunxi County, Hubei Province, including Chengguan Town, Tumen Town, Xiangkou Township, Shangjin Town, Dianzi Town, Guanfang Township, Hubeikou Hui Autonomous Township, Jingyang Township, Jiahe Town, Yang...
Yunxi Walnut Oil. The Ancient Pressed Edible Oil Research Association of Yunxi County. Yunxi walnuts are large in size, with an average single fruit weight of 14.1 grams and kernel weight of 8.4 grams; the shells are thin, measuring only 0.9 millimeters thick; they are of high quality, containing 15.2% protein, 73.04% fat, as well as trace elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc; the taste…
Jingyang Tong is a specialty of Yunxi County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. Jingyang Tong—once a source of tung oil raw material, now an ideal tree species for producing biodiesel. Jingyang Tong, Yunxi County Jingyang Township Tung Oil Industry Association 13326900 Tung tree (tree species)...
Yunxi Mountain Grape is a specialty of Yunxi County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. It is cultivated in over ten townships, forested areas, and forest product farms across Yunxi County, including Chengguan and Tumen. Yunxi Mountain Grapes are pollution-free, of high quality, and possess significant economic development potential. This wild grape variety has black-colored fruit and is rich in anti-aging substances not found in other grape varieties...
It is a specialty of Fang County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. Fang County Northern Bupleurum – Administrative region currently under the jurisdiction of Fang County, Hubei Province. "Letter from the People's Government of Fang County on the Proposed Definition of the Protection Scope of the Geographical Indication Products 'Fang County Northern Bupleurum' and 'Fang County Bletilla'", Fangzheng Letter [2013] No. 18. Hubei Provincial Local Standard: "Fang County Northern Bupleurum" (draft…
Finless Eel from Fang County (Andrias davidianus) is a specialty of Fang County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. The production area of Fang County Finless Eel spans eleven townships under the jurisdiction of Fang County, Hubei Province: Shahe Township, Wanyuhe Township, Qingfeng Town, Baihe Town, Tucheng Town, Menggusi Town, Yeren Valley Town, Zhongba Township, Shangkan Township, Jiudao Township, and Wutai Township...
Lengshui Red Rice from Fangxian is a specialty of Fangxian County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. With a long planting history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, it was once served as a “tribute product.” Its documented history spans 150 years, and the 1866 edition of the *Fangxian County Annals* from the fifth year of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty contains the following account of its production...
Fangxian Bletilla Rhizome is a specialty of Fangxian County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. "Fangxian Bletilla Rhizome" refers to the dried tuber of the orchid plant Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb.f. It is harvested in summer and autumn, the fibrous roots are removed, then it is cleaned and boiled or steamed in boiling water until no white core remains, and then partially sun-dried...
Fangxian Gynostemma is a specialty of Fangxian County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. "Fangxian Gynostemma" is a distinctive local agricultural product. The town of Yeren Valley in Fangxian enjoys the reputation of being the "No. 1 Gynostemma Township in China." At the 2001 China International Agricultural Expo, Fangxian Gynostemma was awarded the title of "Hubei Famous-Brand Product." Fangxian Gynostemma features a tender green color...
Popcorn, or "maize flower" as it's called back home. Back then, popcorn wasn't made by machines like it is now, with every kernel light and crispy. Most of it didn’t pop, leaving what we called "iron rice"—extremely chewy. Some was even glued together into solid, mine-like lumps using maltose syrup, which were even harder to chew. To be fair, maize flower wasn’t…