Euryale Ferox from Dongping Lake

Euryale Ferox from Dongping Lake

　　Euryale ferox is the seed of the aquatic plant "Euryale," also known as "Gorgon fruit" or "chicken head rice." Historical records indicate that Euryale ferox from Dongping Lake has an over 800-year history and is renowned for its high quality, abundant yield, and wide range of culinary and medicinal uses.

　　　 Euryale ferox from Dongping Lake is well known for its large seeds, plump kernels, rich nutrition, and high medicinal value. Laboratory analysis shows that every 100 grams of the kernel contains 32 grams of carbohydrates, 4.4 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 0.4 milligrams of thiamine, 0.08 milligrams of riboflavin, 2.5 milligrams of niacin, 6 milligrams of ascorbic acid, as well as 9 milligrams of calcium, 110 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.4 milligrams of iron, along with carotene and vitamins. It is not only edible but also highly valuable in medicine. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, Euryale ferox can “quench thirst, benefit kidneys, treat urinary incontinence, spermatorrhea, cloudy urine, and leukorrhea.” *The Classic of the Materia Medica* also states that it “treats numbness due to cold, pain in the lower back, spine, and knees, replenishes vitality, combats sudden illness, enhances essence and vitality, strengthens willpower, and improves hearing and vision.” The leaves can treat retained placenta and hematemesis; the stems, referred to as "flower thorns" in *Illustrated Classics of Materia Medica*, can “relieve restlessness and thirst, eliminate deficiency heat,” whether consumed raw or cooked; the roots can cure hernia, leukorrhea, and unspecified swelling and toxicity.

　　　 Euryale ferox is an annual aquatic herbaceous plant of the Nymphaeaceae family. It thrives in warm conditions and grows best in lakes and ponds with water depths of around one meter and soft muddy bottoms. Located in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, Dongping Lake boasts vast waters, good water quality, fertile lakebeds, a warm climate, and abundant sunlight. Resource survey data indicates that Dongping Lake covers an area of 231,900 mu, two-thirds of which are shallow waters less than two meters deep—ideal for the growth of Euryale ferox.

　　　 Before the 1950s, the production of Euryale ferox in Dongping Lake relied on natural seeding, free-range propagation, and free harvesting by local residents, resulting in unstable yields and difficulty improving quality. In the 1960s, a series of measures were implemented, such as introducing superior varieties and expanding cultivation areas. In 1963, the "Nan Zhi" variety was introduced from Jiangsu Province, and cultivation quickly expanded to 30,000 mu, yielding 400,000 kilograms of Euryale ferox annually. Since 1970, when Dongping County began unified management of Euryale ferox cultivation in the lake, the farming area has continued to grow, reaching 80,000 mu in 1977 with an annual output exceeding 1 million kilograms. By the year 2000, the planting area reached 20,000 mu, yielding 2 million kilograms of Euryale ferox and generating over 4 million yuan in output value. In addition to widespread domestic use in pharmaceuticals, cooking, food, and beverage processing, 400,000 to 500,000 kilograms are exported annually. The "Tanglong Health Wine," made with Euryale ferox, has gained international fame and entered global markets.