Shiliang Dog Meat

Shiliang Dog Meat

　　Shiliang Dog Meat is a specialty of Luyi County, with its authentic production originating in Shiliangji, located 25 kilometers west of Luyi County town. Renowned for its long history, authentic flavor, and medicinal benefits such as enriching blood, boosting energy, dispelling cold, and regulating the body’s temperature, Shiliang Dog Meat is highly cherished by many. Its origins date back to the late Western Han Dynasty, boasting a history of nearly 2,000 years. Legend has it that when Liu Xiu’s rebel forces were defeated in Hebei and fled south to Langzhuang in Shiliangji, Luyi County, he found himself completely alone, with Wang Mang’s army in hot pursuit — the situation was dire. At the village’s Laojun Temple, the Supreme Deity Laozi is said to have appeared and miraculously intervened to save him. Taking the form of an old man with white hair, Laozi hitched oxen and horses to plow the field. He instructed Liu Xiu to hide in the furrow between the animals. When Wang Mang’s legendary hound, the “Wenlong Dog,” closed in, the old man struck it dead with a whip. When Wang Mang’s troops arrived, Laozi feigned ignorance and managed to drive them away, allowing Liu Xiu to escape danger. The deity then borrowed a pot from a local family surnamed Cui, skinned and cooked the Wenlong Dog, and offered the meal to Liu Xiu to satisfy his hunger before mysteriously vanishing. As Liu Xiu approached the entrance of the Laojun Temple at the village entrance, he saw the Supreme Deity Laozi seated inside the hall, with silver beard flowing to his chest, kind and benevolent in appearance, smiling gently — strikingly similar to the old man he had just encountered. Realizing he had been saved by Laozi, Liu Xiu bowed in gratitude. The Cui family waited until sunset, but the old man did not return with their pot. They went to look toward the east end of the village. From a distance, they were greeted by a rich, enticing aroma wafting through the air. Upon approaching, they found a pot of dog meat soup still warm. After ladling out some and tasting it, they found it remarkably different from ordinary dog meat — exceptionally delicious. They called out to others working in the fields nearby to come and try, and all agreed it was superb. Someone suggested keeping the broth instead of discarding it and using it to cook more dog meat in the future. Experiments proved the idea ideal. Since then, Shiliang Dog Meat has gained fame across the land. It is said that the original broth from that pot is still used in the cooking process to this day. The value of Shiliang Dog Meat is increasingly recognized by society. It has not only entered restaurants and hotels in major cities, but has also expanded beyond traditional sales methods, being made into various canned forms and distributed nationwide, becoming a renowned delicacy both in China and abroad. (Zhoukou)