Wangzhuang Chinese Toon

Wangzhuang Chinese Toon

　　Chinese toon, also known as toon tree, produces tender shoots called toon sprouts, which are considered a premium vegetable. Wangzhuang Village in Houzhai Township has a long-standing tradition of cultivating Chinese toon and is a well-known producer in the suburbs of Zhengzhou.

　　A local legend is also associated with Wangzhuang Chinese toon. Long ago, there was a highly respected elder in the village who fell seriously ill. The illness caused him to vomit at the sight of food, and he refused to eat for several days, putting his life in danger. Barely conscious, he kept calling out for "precious tree sprouts." What were these precious tree sprouts? No one in the village knew. In an effort to save the elder’s life, the villagers pooled money and put up a reward notice seeking the precious tree sprouts. One morning, an old man carrying a fly whisk appeared at the notice board, claiming to have found the precious tree sprouts. The villagers followed him to a earthen mound just outside the south gate of the village, where they indeed found several clusters of fresh new sprouts. They picked a few and brought them to the elder. Miraculously, the elder regained consciousness upon seeing the sprouts, ate them, and recovered from his illness. When the villagers turned back to thank the old man, he had already disappeared. Upon lifting the reward notice, they found eight large characters written on the back: “Is willow but lacks ‘mao’; three men under one sun.” After consulting a local scholar, they realized these were the characters for “toon” (椿), and thus the toon tree got its name. Since then, toon trees have taken root in Wangzhuang Village, and nearly every household has planted them, a tradition that continues to this day. Though the beautiful legend adds a layer of mystery to the toon tree, ancient toon trees can still be seen in the village.

　　In the 1980s and 1990s, under expert guidance, Wangzhuang Village established a Chinese toon science and technology center, developing a set of new techniques for intensive planting and year-round harvesting. Today, the village has nearly 1,000 acres of toon bases, capable of producing over 2,000 kilograms of fresh toon sprouts per day during peak season. The toon sprouts here feature green leaves tinged with red, are tender, crisp, and juicy, with a rich aroma, delicious taste, and high nutritional value. Rich in toonin, protein, vitamins C and B, iron, calcium, and other minerals, they help stimulate appetite, aid digestion, protect the liver, strengthen the spleen, and promote blood circulation. They are also a delicious woody vegetable enjoyed in late spring and early summer.