Pickled Ginger Strips

Jielong Pickled Ginger

　　Pickled ginger strips, also known as “Jielong Pickled Ginger,” are prepared using a unique curing method. They are bright in color, delicious in taste, appetizing, and leave a lingering aftertaste. With a long history, they are one of the traditional dishes of Jingmen.

　　Zhao Zilong (154–229 AD), from Zhending in Changshan, stood eight feet tall, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a broad face with prominent cheeks. When Liu Bei traveled to Eastern Wu to marry, Zhuge Liang entrusted him with the crucial task of protecting the bridal party, and he lived up to the expectation, successfully executing Zhuge Liang’s plan. In an attempt to reclaim Jingzhou, Sun Quan sought to take Liu Bei’s son, Liu Shan, as a hostage in exchange for the region. The episode “Zhao Zilong Cuts Across the River to Rescue A’dou” showcases his bravery and wisdom. In 211 AD, Zhao Zilong entered Sichuan, traveled westward along the river to Jiangyang, and joined forces with Zhuge Liang in Chengdu. After the capture of Chengdu, he was appointed General of the Winged Army. In 219 AD, when Huang Zhong was besieged by Wei generals Zhang He and Xu Huang while raiding provisions on Dingjun Mountain, Zhao Zilong went to his aid from the Han River camp. He killed the Wei general Jiao Bing, broke through the encirclement of Cao’s army, drove back Zhang He and Xu Huang, and rescued Huang Zhong. Wherever Zhao Zilong went, no one dared to block his path. Even Cao Cao exclaimed, “The hero of Changban of those days is still alive!” Later, at the Han River, he held off Cao’s army and captured their camp. Liu Bei praised him, saying, “Zhao Zilong is truly all courage!” and honored him with the title “Tiger Might General.” In 223 AD, Zhao Zilong was promoted to Central Protector-General, General Who Conquers the South, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Yongchang Ting. He was later appointed General Who Guards the East. In 225 AD, during the rebellion of the southern barbarians, Zhao Zilong and Wei Yan served as generals under Zhuge Liang in the campaign against them. Zhao Zilong killed Jin Huan Sanjie, the leader of the Three Cave Chieftains. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it is told that in 228 AD, he joined Zhuge Liang’s northern expedition and fought against the Xiliang general Han De’s family at Fengming Mountain. He stabbed to death the eldest son Han Ying, knocked down the fourth son Han Qi, shot dead the third son Han Qiong, captured the second son Han Yao, and then killed Han De, shaking the enemy forces—this at the age of seventy. In 230 AD, Zhao Zilong passed away in Chengdu at the age of 76 and was posthumously honored as Marquis of Shunping.

　　Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, after the Battle of Changban Slope, Zhao Zilong passed by a temple (now within Shihuiqiao Middle School in Shayang County). The local people served him “pickled ginger strips,” which he found delicious, refreshing, appetizing, and invigorating, helping to drive out the cold and lift his spirits. He then ordered the army chefs to always prepare this dish for his soldiers, thus giving rise to “Jielong Pickled Ginger.” The common preparation method today is as follows: first, peel the ginger and soak it in fermented flour paste for half a year, then remove, wash, and cut it into strips. Next, boil ingredients such as star anise, monosodium glutamate, cinnamon, benzoic acid, salt, Sichuan peppercorn, and soy sauce, and use the resulting broth to soak the ginger strips in a sealed jar. After some time, it is ready to be served.