Chengde Mung Bean Jelly

Chengde Mung Bean Jelly

　　The residents of the Chengde area have been enjoying mung bean jelly for over 300 years. People love this dish not only for its delicious and refreshing taste but also for its rich nutritional content. According to the *Compendium of Materia Medica*, mung bean jelly has the effects of “clearing heat and detoxifying, treating early-stage abscesses and boils, scalds, and bruises, as well as counteracting toxins from febrile medicines and alcoholic or rich foods.”

　　In the 10th year of the Xianfeng Emperor’s reign, during the bombardment of Dagu Fort by the Anglo-French allied forces, the emperor fled in haste to the Mountain Resort. From then on, he often ate mung bean jelly from outside the palace. To this day, there is a popular story in Chengde: One day, while cooling off by the lake, the Xianfeng Emperor heard someone outside the palace shouting, “Sour, salty, numbing, spicy, fragrant—cooler than ice in summer heat. Just one bowl, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered heaven.” Learning from an eunuch that it was mung bean jelly being sold, the emperor wanted to try some. He changed into plain clothes and went out, where he saw a crowd enjoying the jelly. He ordered a bowl and found it refreshingly delicious with an excellent flavor, so he asked for another. As he turned to leave after finishing the second bowl, the vendor said, “Sir, you haven’t paid yet!” But the emperor didn’t carry money. Reluctantly, he took off his mandarin jacket and told the vendor to come to the gate of the Mountain Resort the next day to exchange it for silver. The following day, when the vendor returned, the emperor rewarded him with over 300 taels of silver and asked him to stay in the palace to teach the art of making mung bean jelly. Later, after leaving the palace, fearing further trouble, the vendor took his family back to their hometown in Shandong. His apprentices carried on his craft, which has been passed down to this day.

　　The ingredients for mung bean jelly include mung bean starch, alum, sesame paste, sesame oil, coriander, vinegar, garlic, and more. The preparation involves three steps: mixing ingredients, boiling, and setting. Once set, the jelly is sliced into strands using a blade, placed in a bowl, and then mixed with various seasonings according to personal taste. Stirred well, it becomes smooth, refreshing, and perfect for beating the summer heat.