Clear-simmered Red-scaled Fish is a famous traditional dish from Mount Tai. The Red-scaled Fish of Mount Tai, also known as Chi Lin Fish, is a precious wild species. It is found in the deep pools of Mount Tai, especially those in the Black Dragon Pool of West Valley, which are said to produce the finest specimens. This fish was once an imperial tribute during the Qing Dynasty. The flesh of the Red-scaled Fish is tender, rich yet not fishy, and high in protein and fat, offering an exceptionally delicious taste. …
Jiyang has a long history of cultivating Yuanling jujubes, dating back at least to the Han Dynasty. The jujube trees are often found in scattered patches near village entrances, at the edges of farmlands, along irrigation ditches, roadsides, and in courtyards. The Yuanling jujubes produced in Jiyang were historically known as "Dapo jujubes" and have long been famed for their large size, plump flesh, and sweet, delicious taste. Their fruits are notable for being large, brightly colored, thick-fleshed, sweet, and rich in nutrients...
Cui Zhai Town is a typical specialized town for melon and vegetable production, with an 18-year history in growing these crops. In 2001, the town developed 3,000 mu of muskmelons, and the "Lüyang" brand muskmelon has become a well-known product, recognized by the Provincial Department of Agriculture as a "Shandong Province Pollution-Free Agricultural Product." Cui Zhai muskmelon is a specialty of Jinan, Shandong. When ripe, its appearance is...
In spring, it is a tradition for the people of old Jinan to make spring rolls. These are not only prepared and sold in restaurants and eateries, but also made at home. Spring is the season when shepherd’s purse sprouts from the fields. Families often go out together for an outing to gather some shepherd’s purse, then make spring rolls by hand and enjoy the fresh, tender, and delicious taste of the wild greens—finding joy in the experience. (Jinan)…
Huaiyin District is one of the key rice-producing areas in Jinan. The production base is located on the outskirts of Jinan along the Yellow River, west of the Ring Expressway, and on both sides of Jiqi Highway. It enjoys convenient transportation and a superior geographical location. With abundant water resources from the Yellow River, favorable irrigation conditions, well-developed infrastructure, and an outstanding ecological environment, the area meets national environmental quality standards...
The Shuanglong Bay Lotus Ecological Park is located to the west of Xizhuang Village in Wujia Bao Town, Huaiyin District, Jinan City, on the northern shore of Yuqing Lake. This area is one of the sources of the Xiaoqing River. In ancient times, it was called “Guandao Haizi,” the farthest upstream point that cargo boats could reach on the way to the Xiaoqing River. In the northwest corner of the park, there is a spring that gushes year-round without ever drying up. The spring water converges here…
Qudi Garlic is primarily cultivated in the northeastern part of Qudi Town, covering a planting area of 667 hectares. The main varieties are "Cangshan Garlic" and "Hybrid Garlic." Hybrid Garlic is renowned for its abundant bulb production. The bulbs are large with thin skin, a glossy red hue, and crisp, tender flesh, typically measuring over 5 cm in diameter, with 80% reaching over 6 cm. Not only is it refreshing and appetizing, but it also offers therapeutic benefits such as clearing heat and detoxifying. Its garlic scapes are slightly less productive but are nonetheless a delicious addition to any dish. Cangshan Garlic, on the other hand, is mainly grown for its scapes, which are fresh, green, juicy, crisp, and delicious. They store well and are easy to preserve, making them a popular vegetable choice in daily life. The bulbs of Cangshan Garlic are smaller and spicier, making them an excellent ingredient for pickling and making sauces.
Crispy Fish Jiyang’s crispy fish is a representative dish of the area’s freshwater delicacies, renowned both domestically and internationally under the name “Shao-style Crispy Fish.” The origins of “Shao-style Crispy Fish” date back to the 16th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign, when it gained fame after being served at Baima Lake in Shangyu. The story behind “Shao-style Crispy Fish” is one of legend. An ordinary grass carp, through secret knife skills…
Small Circle Tofu Skin has a long production history, dating back 50 years. It combines modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, using carefully selected non-GMO soybeans and high-quality groundwater, without any additives. Currently, it comes in two major series—yellow soybean and black soybean—and two product types—salted tofu skin and dried tofu skin. This product is rich in nutrition,…
"Jiyang Crystal Pears" have been successfully registered as a geographical indication certification trademark. Currently, Jiyang County has a total of four geographical indication certification trademarks, the other three being "Renfeng Watermelons," "Duoshi Tomatoes," and "Cuizhai Melons." This marks another successful move by the Jiyang County Administration for Industry and Commerce in implementing its trademark-driven agricultural enrichment strategy. "Jiyang Crys…
Duoshi tomatoes are known for their thin skin, thick flesh, delicious taste, and attractive color. The Duoshi Tomato Characteristic Brand Base has 16,000 winter-warm greenhouses, and the tomatoes are popular in over 20 major cities across the country, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Since 2006, “Duoshi Brand Cherry Tomatoes” have been successively certified as “Green Food – Product” by the Ministry of Agriculture...
Wontons are a traditional snack in Jinan with a long history. They can be prepared in various ways and are called by different names depending on their ingredients. Varieties include clear broth wontons, rich broth wontons, chicken shredded wontons, sesame paste wontons, and three-delicacy wontons. In the south, some serve cooked egg noodles in a soup bowl, top them with wontons, and garnish with a few vegetable shoots, calling it “wonton noodles.” Wontons are made all over the country, but those from Jinan are considered the best. In the old days, wontons were a staple of Jinan’s late-night snacks. In more recent times, many shops specialized in wontons, including the well-known Xingshengcheng Wonton Restaurant and Qinyun Wonton Restaurant. Around Chasi Street, there was also a famous eatery known for its fried wontons—fresh, uncooked wontons were deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior with delicious flavor. Sesame paste wontons are made similarly to sesame paste rice noodles: cooked wontons are cooled or briefly blanched in cool water, then mixed with sesame paste and other seasonings. This was a popular seasonal dish in Jinan during the summer.
As the saying goes, "Dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on the ground." Donkey meat is regarded as a delicacy among meats. It is highly nutritious, known to invigorate qi and nourish blood, enrich essence and strengthen yang, as well as nourish yin and tonify kidneys. Legend has it that Empress Dowager Cixi loved eating donkey meat. The imperial palace had chefs specializing in cooking donkey meat, and she often summoned renowned donkey meat shops from across the country to send their finest products as tributes. …
As the saying goes, “Dragon meat in the heavens, donkey meat on earth.” Donkey meat is regarded as a delicacy among meats. It is said that Empress Dowager Cixi loved to eat donkey meat. The imperial palace had special chefs dedicated to cooking donkey meat, and she often summoned renowned donkey meat artisans from across the country to present their offerings to satisfy her taste. It is said that at the time, “Du Family Donkey Meat” from Duoshibridge was one such tribute...
The “Liu Family Lamb” in Qudi Town is a time-honored craft, passed down to the generation of Liu Yuzhen. Originally, Liu Yuzhen’s great-grandfather had two special skills: cooking lamb and frying prawns, making his snacks famous within dozens of miles at the time. How he learned this craft remains unknown. Back then, the Japanese invaders hadn’t yet been driven out, and the lamb he cooked was sometimes seized and eaten by them. After finishing, they would give a thumbs-up and repeatedly shout “Yoshi!”
The “Qudi” brand cucumbers are a premium product carefully cultivated by Qudi Town. With their superior variety, vibrant color, excellent taste, and pollution-free cultivation, these cucumbers have entered over 50 cities including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Harbin. They have been designated as the exclusive cucumbers for KFC and McDonald’s chains. The “Qudi” cucumbers have obtained provincial quality certification,…
The Xiaozhi Potato Base covers an area of 14,000 mu, accounting for 30% of the total cultivated land. The local soil is fertile and water resources are abundant, yielding an annual potato production of 50 million kilograms. These potatoes not only supply the local market but are also widely sold to cities such as Beijing, Shanxi, Urumqi, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, where they enjoy great popularity. In production, through vigorous...
Pear balls are one of the historic traditional delicacies of Pingyin County, with the Chuanmi brand pear balls being the most authentic and offering the purest taste. Pear balls originated during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era and have a history of over 200 years. Chuanmi pear balls use locally grown large green pears as the main ingredient, along with sugar filling made from Pingyin’s specialty rose petals as a complement…
Dong'e Tofu has a history of several hundred years. It is made by soaking soybeans in water from the Langxi River and using brine as a coagulant, resulting in its thick, sturdy, solid, and white characteristics. It can be eaten hot with seasonings such as chili sauce and Chinese chive flower, or paired with other vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, spinach, meat, eggs, and seafood to make a hearty main dish...
Pingyin tofu skin comes in two varieties: white and soy sauce–colored. It is known for its well-balanced seasoning, delicious taste, and firm yet tender texture. The tofu skin from Dong'e Town and Hongfanchi Town is mainly soy sauce–colored, while that from Xiaozhi is primarily made into strips, with each place excelling in its own craftsmanship.…