Huangtan Soy Sauce

Huangtan Soy Sauce

　　In November 1958, Kim Il-sung, Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, visited the Hongqi People's Commune in Yingcheng accompanied by - Premier, Vice-Premier He Long, and other Party and state leaders. During the visit, - Premier presented Huangtan Soy Sauce as a gift to Premier Kim Il-sung.

　　The renown of Huangtan Soy Sauce lies first and foremost in its water. The Dafushui River has a backflow section in Huangtan Town, known as Yima River. Here, the riverbed soil is of excellent quality, the water is as clear as a mirror, and mineral-rich rock salt emanates from the riverbed, infusing the water with a wealth of minerals. When scooped into a bowl, the water can even pile up above the rim. Using this water, along with premium soybeans and high-quality flour as ingredients, and after more than four years of purely natural fermentation and five years of sunning and dewing—until a thin layer resembling ice forms on the surface of the sauce in the vat, which can stick to the bowl when shaken—the world-renowned Huangtan Soy Sauce is finally brewed. Because a thick layer of ice-like crystals forms on the surface, it is also called "Ice Soy Sauce." It boasts a rich consistency, mellow aroma, delicious flavor, long shelf life, glossy appearance, no sediment, and high nutritional value. It is an excellent seasoning for stir-frying, cold dishes, or stewed dishes, and is one of Hubei’s famous local specialties. Historical records indicate that during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, Huangtan Soy Sauce was designated as an imperial tribute.

　　There is also a beautiful legend about Huangtan Soy Sauce. During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, in Huangtan Town, Yingcheng, there was a farmer and horse handler named Yang Sheng who owned a chestnut-red horse. Yang Sheng made his living with the horse and took meticulous care of it. Over time, the horse became so attuned to him that it seemed almost human. One year, a great flood broke through the embankment of the Huangtan River. The chestnut-red horse carried its owner through the raging waters to safety but then, exhausted, was swept away by a whirlpool. After the story of the loyal horse saving its master spread, the locals named that section of the river “Yima River” (Horse River). After the horse’s death, Yang Sheng turned to making soy sauce. Coincidentally, when Emperor Qianlong traveled to the south and passed through Huguang, the magistrate of Yingcheng ordered Yang Sheng to brew top-quality soy sauce as an imperial tribute, which terrified Yang Sheng and robbed him of sleep and appetite. One night, he dreamt that the chestnut-red horse appeared and said, “Master, do not worry. When the Purple Star appears, go draw water from Yima River to make your soy sauce—the Emperor will surely be pleased.” Yang Sheng awoke to find it had all been a dream. Following the horse’s advice, he drew water from Yima River when the Purple Star rose and brewed the soy sauce. The result was surprisingly sweet and uniquely delicious. Dishes made with it were vibrant in color, fragrant, tasty, and had a perfect balance of salty and sweet. When Emperor Qianlong tasted it, he was overjoyed and showered it with praise, immediately designating it as an imperial tribute. From then on, Huangtan Soy Sauce became famous throughout the land.

　　The fact that Yima River Huangtan Soy Sauce was designated as an imperial tribute is recorded in the “Guangxu Yingcheng Annals,” making it a historically documented famous specialty of Yingcheng. In 1981, the Yingcheng Sauce Brewing Factory registered its Huangtan Soy Sauce under the brand name “Yima River” with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. In 1985, it was honored as an Hubei Provincial Quality Product, won the Bronze Award at the First China Food Expo in 1988, was included in the “China Contemporary Famous and Premium Products Dictionary” in 1991, won the Gold Award at the First China International Food Expo in 1995, and enjoyed immense popularity in Hong Kong and elsewhere, often selling out as soon as it arrived.