Tender celery from Angou

Tender celery from Angou

　　Tender celery from Angou is a specialty of Angou Village in Huaguo Subdistrict, Zhangwan District, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. The village has suitable soil and climate conditions, producing tender celery that is crisp in texture, delicious in taste, and uniquely aromatic, enjoying high market recognition.

　　Angou Village was among the first in the urban area of Shiyan to specialize in vegetable production. Over 50% of the per capita net income of the villagers comes from vegetable cultivation, and 80% of the income from vegetable farming is derived from celery cultivation. In the past, the village used conventional methods for growing vegetables. To increase farmers' incomes and develop the urban "vegetable basket," since the 1990s, the village shifted from open-field planting to greenhouse cultivation, and from one crop per year to three or more crops annually. It now has nearly 700 vegetable greenhouses, covering an area of over 220 acres.

　　Through product trials and promotion, the village identified a leading variety well-suited to the local climate—tender celery—which boasts high yield, good profitability, short growth cycle, strong consumer appeal, and strong market demand.

　　Now, celery cultivation in the village has developed unique advantages: three crops per year—celery is available in spring, autumn, and winter; high proportion—celery accounts for over 60% of the village’s total vegetable planting area year-round; pure variety—the authentic “Lüjinglan” variety; excellent quality—fine fiber and great taste; pollution-free—entirely fertilized with organic manure and protected using biological pest control; high yield—greenhouse production yields an average of 5,000 kg of celery per mu; and good profitability—an average income of 20,000–30,000 yuan per mu. These advantages make Angou celery highly sought after in the market.

　　Tender celery from Angou has undergone multiple inspections by agricultural authorities, with pesticide residues and other indicators meeting safety standards. In 2010, Angou celery was certified as a green food product by China’s Ministry of Agriculture. The following year, it won the Silver Award at the First Hubei Famous and High-Quality Vegetables Competition.