Huitang Duck

Huitang Duck

　　Ningxiang Huitang Duck is raised in ponds near the Huitang Hot Springs in Ningxiang County. The water contains 14 types of trace elements essential for animals and humans, including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, iodine, silicon, alum, and fluorine. Thanks to these rich minerals, Huitang Duck is famed for having much higher levels of micronutrients than ordinary ducks. Its appearance also differs from that of common waterfowl: it has large webbed feet, a deep yellow beak, a plump body with smooth feathers, and dark brown plumage. What sets it apart in taste is its tender, marrow-rich bones. It is said to have nourishing benefits such as enriching blood, promoting fluid production, and moisturizing the lungs. Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi era (1622–1722), local farmers were assigned one duck per mu of land to be offered as tribute to the imperial court, hence it was also called “Tribute Duck.” The Republican-era Ningxiang County Annals recorded: “Among the animals, there is the Huitang Duck, which swims near the hot springs. Its meat is rich and flavorful, and its bones contain marrow... Recently, it has been regarded as a delicacy in official kitchens.” Wang Baozhen, a renowned literary figure of Hunan during the Qing Dynasty, once held a poetic banquet in Huitang centered around duck dishes, composing the verse: “Before Dongyuan Mountain, winter ducks grow fat; by the Huitang Springs their down is nurtured. Long I’ve heard roast duck is outshone by those boiled here—spare no thought in parting with them at the heron islet.”

　　“...Huitang is not only blessed with miraculous spring water, but also miraculous local specialties. The ducks here, raised on spring water, have especially thick bones, exceptionally rich marrow, and particularly tender skin and meat—they have been tribute offerings through the ages. During the Qing Dynasty, families living near the springs made a living by raising many ducks. However, some local officials took advantage of their visits to Huitang to bathe and relax, indulging in drinking games, riddles, and duck feasts, then leaving without paying a penny. The locals dared to be angry but not speak out, and had nowhere to appeal. Once, Emperor Qianlong, traveling incognito to Tanzhou (Changsha), happened upon Huitang residents selling ducks and lamenting their plight. He then severely punished the corrupt officials and allowed the people to use this tribute item to reduce local taxes. It is said that during the Qing Dynasty, both the imperial censor Wang Wenqing and Hanlin academician Wang Kaiyun held winter duck poetry gatherings and drinking games in Huitang, leaving behind a string of poetic anecdotes that have been passed down through generations.” — From *Boiling Huitang*