Lingxian Shentou Chinese Toon

Lingxian Shentou Chinese Toon

Lingxian Shentou Chinese Toon is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Shentou Chinese toon is authentic purple-sprout toon, with over 2,000 years of cultivation history. It is mainly grown in and around Shentou Town, within a 7-li radius to the north, including villages such as Huaili, Nanjie, Gaocun, Lijialou, and Wangliangjia. The toon from Huaili Village is particularly renowned, where several century-old toon trees still thrive vigorously. Its main characteristics include: young buds that are purplish-red, thick, tender, richly aromatic, delicious in taste, and highly nutritious. In ancient times, Shentou Chinese toon was once an imperial tribute and remains widely favored to this day. During harvest season, traders from all over flock here, competing eagerly to purchase it.

　　Shentou Chinese toon also boasts a famous and melodious name — “Yanci Spring Dragon.” The origin of this name is closely tied to the ancient city of Yanci in Shentou, as well as the wit and brilliance of Dongfang Shuo.

　　Legend has it that when Dongfang Shuo returned home to Lingxian from Chang’an after a three-month leave, he was worried about what special gift to bring the emperor as tribute. Just then, his children came back with freshly picked toon, filling the room with its rich fragrance — an idea struck him: why hadn’t he thought of his hometown’s toon? This was authentic purple-sprout toon, at its most fragrant and tender, something the emperor had never seen before. That would be the one. Back in Chang’an, Emperor Wu of Han was curious about what special tribute Dongfang Shuo might have brought. Seeing only some tree leaves, he said unhappily, “You’ve brought me tree leaves again to fool me. Tell me, what’s so special about them?” Dongfang Shuo quickly explained, “These are no ordinary tree leaves. They are ‘Yanci Spring Dragon,’ the most delicious dish you’ll ever taste. You’ll know once you try it.” The emperor promptly ordered someone to prepare a dish with the toon. Indeed, even before tasting, the aroma was overwhelmingly enticing; the texture was crisp and tender, indescribably delightful, with a lingering aftertaste. Moreover, the name sounded grand and poetic. The emperor was overjoyed and lavished praise upon it. From then on, Shentou Chinese toon was known by the splendid name “Yanci Spring Dragon,” became an imperial tribute, and gained widespread fame.