Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable

Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable

Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable is a protected geographical indication product.

Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable is a certified geographical indication trademark.

　　Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable, one of China's four famous preserved vegetables, was created by Zhuge Liang during his seclusion in Longzhong, Xiangyang, according to *Records of Chinese Scenic Spots*. It is commonly known among the people as Zhuge's Vegetable or Kongming's Vegetable. Rich in amino acids, vitamins, fiber, and essential trace elements such as iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, it has a crisp, tender texture and delicious taste, stimulates saliva and appetite, and boasts a rich sauce aroma. It also aids digestion, promotes urination, removes dampness, detoxifies, and reduces swelling.

　　The Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable is prized for its crisp and tender quality, with the variety from Dongjin Town in Xiangzhou District being the finest—exceptionally flavorful and aromatic, standing out unmatched among similar products nationwide. As a result, it is highly favored by consumers and has become an essential condiment in households everywhere.

　　Mustard greens are also called large-headed vegetables. The large-headed vegetables of Xiangyang are big and full-flavored, often requested by high-ranking officials in the capital. Legend has it that the origins of the large-headed vegetable are also linked to Zhuge Liang. When living in Longzhong, Zhuge Liang once fell slightly ill and went up the mountain to gather herbs. He discovered something resembling a radish but upon digging it up, found it wasn’t one. About the size of a fist, larger on top and smaller at the bottom, when he took a bite, it was neither bitter nor astringent, and upon further tasting, had a mildly spicy-sweet flavor. He thought, since all kinds of plants on the earth can nourish people, if this thing isn’t poisonous, wouldn’t it make a good vegetable too? So, he dug up a few and brought them home, asking his wife to stir-fry them to see how they tasted. To their surprise, once the dish was served, the whole family agreed it was delicious. When asked what it was called, Zhuge Liang thought for a moment and said, “Let’s call it ‘large-headed vegetable.’” After the meal, he dug up some more and planted them in his farming field. From then on, Zhuge Liang’s family often ate large-headed vegetables.

　　One year, with favorable weather, the large-headed vegetables Zhuge Liang planted grew plump and large, yielding a huge harvest in autumn. The way people in Xiangyang preserved leftover vegetables was by pickling them. Zhuge Liang washed and dried the large-headed vegetables, then pickled them in a vat. When he tried them the following year, they were even more delicious than fresh. Later, when Zhuge Liang assisted Liu Bei in forming an alliance with Sun Wu to resist Cao Cao, the soldiers often lacked vegetables, which worried Liu Bei. So, Zhuge Liang dispatched wooden oxen and flowing horses to Xiangyang to buy large-headed vegetables. These vegetables were easy to carry and tasty to eat, and Liu Bei liked them very much. From then on, before every major battle, Liu Bei would send people to Xiangyang to buy large-headed vegetables, ensuring his soldiers never lacked food. Since then, Xiangyang’s large-headed vegetables have become increasingly famous. People naturally thought of Zhuge Liang, and to honor his contribution, they started calling the vegetable “Zhuge Liang’s Vegetable.”

　　The protected geographical indication area of Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable is based on the scope proposed in the letter from the People’s Government of Xiangfan City, Hubei Province, titled “On the Protected Geographical Indication Area of ‘Xiangyang Large-Headed Vegetable’” (Xiangfan Government Letter [2006] No. 74), covering ten current administrative regions including Dongjin Town, Shuanggou Town, Zhangji Town, Yushan Town, Huanglong Town, Chenghe Town, Zhujixiang Town in Xiangyang District, Xiangfan City, Hubei Province; Oumiao Town and Panggong Township in Xiangcheng District; and Juwang Town in Zaoyang City.