Sealed Pig's Head
Chopsticks are the dining utensils used by the Chinese. Foreigners praise them as the "civilization of the East." In February 1972, during U.S. President Nixon’s visit to China, -Premier hosted a state banquet in honor of him at the Great Hall of the People. Right after the banquet ended, a Canadian journalist stationed in Beijing immediately walked up to the banquet table and casually pocketed the pair of chopsticks…
In the mountainous areas of Shangzhou, locals store freshly picked persimmons every October during golden autumn. Before the Spring Festival, they take them out to boil into syrup, which is then served to guests in January and February. This persimmon candy is bright red in color, fragrant, soft, and smooth—quite similar to honey. The process is as follows: first, remove the stems from the persimmons, put them into a pot, and mash them into a paste. Then…
Shangshan Persimmon Cakes are one of the famous local specialties of Shangluo, produced in Xiaoyi Bay, about seventy li east of Shangzhou City. Xiaoyi Bay lies north of the Dan River and is surrounded by continuous rolling hills and earthen slopes, resembling a basin with fertile, sandy soil. Persimmon trees can be found everywhere on the fields and slopes. There are many varieties of persimmons, including Shao Persimmon, Mantianhong, Lüzhuomao, …
Guokui is a type of baked flatbread. An old oil drum is repurposed — the top is removed, and the inside is lined with fire-resistant mud to create a wide-bottomed, narrow-mouthed cavity. Add a chopping board, and the stall is ready to go. Making guokui usually involves two people: one is known as the "white station," responsible for kneading the dough on the chopping board. They continuously work lumps of fermented dough in their hands until…
In Luonan County, the acorn jelly from Shipo has a long history. The southern hills of Shipo Township are rich in oak trees. Locals gather ripe acorns, remove their shells, dry them, then grind them into starch, which is used to make the jelly. Every kilogram of acorns yields two kilograms of jelly. The process of making acorn jelly is quite complex, especially since it requires very specific water quality...
The vinegar made from apricots by people in Luonan is a striking crimson color with an enticing aroma, and is known for its health benefits such as strengthening the stomach and improving bone health when consumed regularly. Method: Remove the pits from ripe apricots, place them in a ceramic jar, and mash them with a wooden stick until they are well crushed, then cover tightly. After three months, the apricots turn sour. At this point, take them out and mix them with clean bran, let it sit covered for two days, then press and filter the mixture through a cloth bag...
American ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolius or "flower flag ginseng," is a precious tonic and health care medicinal herb. Its main components include ginsenosides, along with 16 essential trace elements, over 17 amino acids, polysaccharides, and other nourishing health-promoting substances. It helps boost immunity, enhance resistance, promote metabolism, enrich blood and qi, restore stamina, …
Since the development of flue-cured tobacco production in Luonan County in 1989, successive county Party committees and governments have continuously studied and learned from the advanced experiences of neighboring regions in tobacco cultivation. Based on the county's actual conditions, they have continuously improved the incentive mechanisms for tobacco production. Guided by the work philosophy of “adapting to local conditions, rational planning, large-scale planting, and improving quality and efficiency,” they have actively implemented the “Three Large Ones and One…” strategy for tobacco production.
Cephalotaxus is a shrub or tree species that can grow up to 12 meters tall. The bark is gray or grayish-brown and peels off in thin flakes. The leaves are linear or spirally arranged, twisted at the base to form two ranks, with usually raised midribs on both surfaces and two white stomatal bands on the underside. It flowers in April and matures the following October. The seeds are drupe-like, flattened, and either oval, elliptical...
Shangluo walnuts are produced in the Qinling Mountain area of southeastern Shaanxi Province, with the highest yields coming from seven counties in the Shangluo region, including Luonan, Shang County, Shanyang, and Zhashui. The region is home to over 20 million walnut trees—13 times the number on the eve of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. With an annual production of more than 10 million kilograms, it is the largest walnut-producing area in China and also boasts the greatest variety of walnut types...
Luonan Tofu is a specialty of Luonan County in Shangluo, Shaanxi Province. Nestled in the hinterland of the southern Qinling Mountains, Luonan County gets its name because a long river runs through the area, with the county seat located to the south of the Luo River. Both long-time residents and visitors know that the tofu produced here is famous throughout the province and beyond. As early as…
Jiuzhuan Tofu is a specialty of Jiuzhuan Village in Sanyaoyan Town, Luonan County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province. Luonan Jiuzhuan Tofu is rich in nutrients, containing fat, protein, and sugar. In addition to being white, tender, fragrant, and delicious, it also has a naturally sweet taste, a soft and smooth texture that’s pleasant to the palate, and a long-lasting aftertaste. Paired with seasonings, whether served cold, stir-fried, deep-fried, or simmered in sauce, it remains tender, delicious, aromatic, and flavorful. Jiuzhuan Village is...
Luoyuan Dried Tofu comes from Luoyuan Town, the source of the Luo River, nestled deep in the southern foothills of the Qinling Mountains. This long-renowned local specialty has been famous since ancient times. As early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, hundreds of years ago, it enjoyed great renown. It was once honored as an imperial tribute by the Qing emperor and traveled far and wide with merchants of the time. When the Red Army was in Luonan, the people of Luoyuan supported them with dried tofu...
The origin of the Yellow Cattle in Lingnan dates back thousands of years. However, Lingnan Cattle is a locally bred superior breed developed after the founding of the People's Republic of China through long-term production and scientific experimentation by livestock scientists and local farmers, selected from among the Yellow Cattle herds. Hence, as these cattle are raised in areas south of the Huling Mountain Range within the Qinling system, they are called “Lingnan Cattle.”…
The yew tree is the raw material species for paclitaxel, a medicinal compound that has special therapeutic effects for cancer patients. The natural environment of Luonan is perfectly suitable for the growth of Taxus media (Mannii yew). Through recent efforts, a 1,500-acre yew medicinal resource base has been established in Xiewan Township, along with 15 acres of nurseries, and over 100,000 yew trees have been planted...
The apricot vinegar made by people in Luonan is a striking crimson color with a richly aromatic fragrance. It is believed to have various health benefits when consumed regularly, such as nourishing the stomach and strengthening bones. Method: Remove the pits from ripe apricots, place them in a ceramic jar, and mash them with a wooden stick until well crushed. Seal the jar tightly. After three months, the apricots will turn sour. At that point, take them out and mix them with clean bran, cover for two days, then press and filter them through a cloth bag...
Luonan’s specialty walnuts are large, meaty, thin-shelled, and of high quality, making them highly favored by consumers both domestically and abroad. For over two decades, they have received multiple accolades from national, ministerial, and provincial authorities. In March 2000, they were officially designated by the State Forestry Administration and the China Economic Forestry Association as “China’s Famous and High-Quality Special Economic Forest – Home of Walnuts…”
Pickled vegetables, also known as pao cai or preserved vegetables, are made by fermenting large flat cabbage or round cabbage along with other seasonings through soaking under the action of lactic acid bacteria. Nutritional benefits: With a salty and tangy flavor, crisp and tender texture, bright color, and fragrant aroma, these pickled vegetables are appetizing and refreshing, help sober up and cut greasiness. Not only do they stimulate the appetite and aid digestion,...
Steamed Noodles: A standout local snack in Ankang, steamed noodles, along with "Lamb Soup with Bread," have become the breakfast of choice for locals and a highly praised delicacy among visitors. The main ingredient is wheat flour, mixed with a small amount of salt and water to form a batter. This batter is poured into round, oiled iron or aluminum steaming trays, then placed over boiling water in a wide pot. After a few minutes, golden-yellow, soft, and perfectly round steamed noodles are ready. They are typically served with bean sprouts and topped with soy sauce, vinegar, mashed garlic, sesame paste, and chili oil. The quality of the steamed noodles depends on two factors: the texture and color of the noodles themselves, and the seasonings. The seasonings are crucial—special ingredients are added to the vinegar and chili oil to enhance the flavor. Good seasonings can elevate the dish to another level. As early as the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Ankang's steamed noodles were famous for vendors such as "Ma Sufu" on the west side of Gulou Street and "Liu Yinwa" on Dabeijie Street. Their noodles had the perfect texture, high-quality seasonings, and a unique taste. Especially "Ma Sufu," who had their own mill and used finely sifted white flour, enjoyed thriving business. After decades of change, Ankang has once again seen the rise of a new generation of delicious and popular premium steamed noodles. Examples include "Ma Family" in Dongguan, Ankang; "Weng Family Four Brothers" on Nanmadao in Chengguan; "Lan Family" in Xiguan; "Jiao Family" at the north gate of Xincheng; and "Tan Ji" on Peixin Street. (Ankang)