Chengde Wild Mountain Vegetables

Chengde Wild Mountain Vegetables

　　　Among the many wild mountain vegetables in the Chengde region, there is a type of bracken fern, often hailed as the “King of Wild Mountain Vegetables,” which enjoys a renowned reputation both domestically and internationally. Around the time of the Dragon Boat Festival each year, villagers have the custom of picking bracken.

　　Bracken fern, also known as “Ruyi vegetable” (Lucky Vegetable), thrives in moist and cool climates. It typically grows at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,500 meters. The wild mountain vegetables in the Chengde area—particularly in counties such as Weichang and Fengning, which lie in the high-altitude mountainous regions beyond the Great Wall—experience relatively cold weather, making them highly suitable for bracken growth. This wild vegetable grows rapidly and can reach up to one meter in height, but its harvest period is short, generally only 3–5 days after sprouting from the ground. The ideal time for gathering bracken is in early May of the lunar calendar. It can be harvested up to three times, and the entire picking season usually lasts around 20 days. During this period, the vegetable features small leaves and pale flowers, with tender, soft, and crisp stems that are highly nutritious. If not harvested in time, it quickly loses its edibility.

　　In the folk tradition of Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, some people call bracken “the Longevity Vegetable.” This name comes from a local legend. It is said that during the Tang Dynasty—or more popularly associated with Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty—there was a time when the emperor, accompanied by his officials, guards, and hunters, left the capital, passed through Chengde, and went to the Mulan Hunting Grounds for an imperial hunt. They became extremely hungry along the way. Emperor Qianlong ordered several guards to find food nearby, but the local people were too poor to provide any grain-based food. At that moment, an elderly farmer brought a basket of fresh bracken and offered it to the emperor. Upon seeing it, Emperor Qianlong became furious and shouted, “I asked for food, why are you giving me grass?” He then ordered his attendants to execute the farmer. But the old man dared not reveal that it was bracken, since the Chinese character for bracken (蕨, jué) sounds like the word for “extinction” (绝, jué)—an inauspicious association—so he improvised and said, “Your Majesty may not know, but this is a rare treasure from the deep mountains called ‘Longevity Vegetable.’ When you smell it, it gives off a refreshing fragrance; when you taste it, it’s tender, smooth, and delicious; it soothes your throat and creates saliva as soon as it enters your mouth; once it goes down, it helps clear the body of impurities while promoting the rise of vital energy. If consumed regularly, it brightens your eyes, improves your complexion, keeps you free of illness, and extends your life—it’s a precious item even immortals use!” Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianlong was greatly pleased and immediately ordered the imperial chef to prepare the vegetable. After trying it, he found it truly unique in flavor and began eating heartily. From then on, the name “Longevity Vegetable” spread among the local people. The bracken produced in Weichang, after being harvested, processed, and pickled, boasts vibrant green color, tenderness, softness, and delicious taste. Moreover, it is convenient to eat, thus earning its title as the “King of Wild Mountain Vegetables” among the various wild varieties.

　　In recent years, the bracken from Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County has gained increasing popularity in the international market and is exported to over ten countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the United States, and France. When purchased in its pickled form, the bracken can be rehydrated, desalted, and used to prepare a variety of dishes—making it a delightful dish to serve to guests and a must-have delicacy for home banquets. Starting in the early 1970s, fresh bracken processing began in areas such as Chengzi, Mengkui, Nanshanzi, and Yanggebai under Saihanba, gradually expanding to over a hundred processing sites by the late 1980s. The commercial production volume increased from 50 tons to more than 400 tons. Tourists visiting the area often wish to take some bracken home with them.