Yongnian Donkey Meat

Yongnian Donkey Meat

　　As the saying goes, “Dragon meat in the heavens, donkey meat on earth.” According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, “Donkey meat nourishes the blood, treats long-term ailments, and when consumed as a broth, strengthens the foundation and restores vitality.” Traditional Chinese medicine believes that donkey meat can replenish qi and nourish blood, offering great benefits to those with qi and blood deficiencies. With a sweet and cool nature, donkey meat replenishes qi and nourishes blood, nourishes yin and boosts yang, calms the nerves, and relieves irritability. It is especially effective for those who are physically weak, suffer from overexertion, have qi and blood deficiencies, or feel irritable. Donkey meat is a type of meat that is high in protein, low in fat, and low in cholesterol. It contains protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, as well as various vitamins and trace elements. Donkey meat offers significant benefits to people with cardiovascular diseases. The remarkably effective Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) products are made by boiling donkey hide and are known for their excellent blood-nourishing, skin-beautifying, and complexion-enhancing effects. Ejiao has a sweet taste and neutral nature, and is effective in nourishing blood, nourishing yin, supporting liver health, boosting qi, stopping bleeding, clearing the lungs, regulating menstruation, moisturizing dryness, and calming wheezing. It is suitable for treating conditions such as weakness and anemia, postpartum blood deficiency, sallow complexion, dry throat, lack of body fluids, constipation, and all types of bleeding symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine considers Ejiao a “blood and flesh tonic,” making it a powerful nourishing agent. People who are usually physically weak, sensitive to cold, or prone to catching colds can improve their constitution and boost immunity by taking Ejiao. Donkey kidney, with a sweet taste and warm nature, benefits the kidneys, boosts yang, strengthens tendons and bones, and can treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction and soreness in the lower back and knees.

　　 Yongnian County has a long history of selling donkey meat, among which the most enduring is Guo Family Donkey Meat, which has been passed down for ten generations and boasts a history of over 300 years. Any visitor to Yongnian must try the local delicacy—“Guo Family Donkey Meat.” As a result, during festivals and holidays, the people of Yongnian often send a few pounds of “Guo Family Donkey Meat” to relatives and friends in other regions as a gesture of respect, making Guo Family Donkey Meat a signature snack of Yongnian. Yongnian’s “Guo Family Donkey Meat” has been famous across southern Hebei for nearly 300 years.