Linyi Tangmi

Linyi Tangmi

　　【Linyi Tangmi】 is an ancient variety of rice grown in the Tangya area of Linyi City, commonly known as "water buffalo hide." It has a long history of cultivation.

　　Legend has it that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin, once stationed here during his eastern campaign and highly praised the rice from Tangya Village. Since then, the rice grown in this area was mostly collected as tribute by the government,

　　and it came to be known as "Tangmi."

　　 The brown rice of Tangmi is light green in color, while the polished rice is white. Both raw and cooked rice have a rich fragrance. Whether used for dry rice or porridge, it is best cooked over high heat, giving off a fragrant aroma and tasting excellent. This rice is particularly sticky and is a premium ingredient for making yuanxiao (sweet glutinous rice balls), zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), niangao (sticky rice cake), and various high-end pastries.

　　It is extremely sticky and serves as an excellent ingredient for making yuanxiao, zongzi, niangao, and various high-end pastries.

　　 In November 1985, Linyi Tangmi was rated as a provincial-level famous and special rice at the first provincial high-quality rice evaluation conference. It was also selected to be sent to Beijing to participate

　　in the national exhibition and evaluation of famous, high-quality, special, and rare crop varieties.

　　 Linyi Tangmi is an early-maturing, fragrant, and glutinous variety that can be planted in both paddy and upland fields. The summer-sown growth cycle is about 110 days, while the transplanted growth cycle is 120–125 days. The plant height is

　　100–115 cm, with strong growth vigor and tolerance to poor soil. However, this variety is prone to lodging, has low yield, and offers limited economic returns. Before the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it was once on the verge of extinction. After the founding of the PRC, only small-scale trial planting was maintained. In 1987, 40 acres were planted, yielding 175 kg per mu. After selecting superior seeds, 35 acres were planted in 1988,

　　yielding 250 kg per mu, and the lodging issue had been largely resolved.

　　The lodging problem had been basically solved.