Yangcheng Millet

Yangcheng Millet

　　Recently, at the 3rd China Green Ecological Agriculture Development Forum, Yangcheng County was honored with the title of "Hometown of China's Green Ecological Millet."

　　Yangcheng millet is one of the four historically renowned and premium local specialties of Yangcheng County in Shanxi Province. As early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was prized for its yellow color, large grains, and richness in vitamins, proteins, and various minerals needed by the human body. It also offers many health benefits, and was once served as a tribute to the imperial court, enjoying fame across the Taihang Mountains.

　　The growing environment for Yangcheng millet is unique. The production area lies at altitudes between 800 and 1,200 meters, with over 2,400 hours of sunshine annually, accumulated temperatures ranging from 3,500 to 4,000°C, a diurnal temperature variation greater than 10°C, a frost-free period of more than 180 days, and a long production cycle. The soil is brown clayey loam. Thanks to this distinctive natural environment, Yangcheng millet boasts excellent quality, round and plump grains, golden color, natural flavor, and a mellow taste. It is highly nutritious, with a complete range of amino acids, especially high levels of tryptophan and methionine required by the human body. It is rich in vitamins and folic acid, and particularly high in trace elements such as selenium and titanium. It can warm the stomach, nourish the body, lubricate the intestines, relieve constipation, quench thirst, and invigorate qi and nourish the middle. Especially notable is its unique nutritional component, "rice bran oil," which helps remove cholesterol from the blood, lower blood lipids, and promote human growth and development. It is a natural tonic for strengthening the body and improving health, and is often referred to in folklore as the "poor man’s ginseng soup." During the War of Resistance Against Japan, it contributed to the legendary feat of "millet plus rifles driving out the Japanese invaders." Regular consumption can promote longevity. Local women rely on millet porridge with eggs to boost milk production and nourish their bodies after childbirth. It has always been a favorite food among locals, with millet congee served at least twice a day, in the morning and evening.

　　Since Yangcheng millet is grown deep in the mountains, transportation and information have been relatively limited. Despite its strong brand reputation, it lacked corresponding brand benefits. In recent years, with strong support from the county government, Yangcheng millet has embarked on a path of scaled, specialized, distinctive, and branded development, moving toward functional and health-oriented products, while deep processing has also begun. Promoted varieties such as Hongmiao Valley, Jin Gu 21, Jin Gu 40, Jin Gu 41, and Jin Gu 42 feature attractive appearance, uniform and large grains, superior quality, and enhanced functionality. These have been listed as products under national geographical indication protection, and have been certified as "pollution-free agricultural products" and "organic agricultural products," and have been rated as "Shanxi Provincial Famous Brand" products. In 2011, during the "3rd China Agricultural Characteristic Agricultural Products Expo," Yangcheng millet sold out quickly and gained the favor of urban consumers. Currently, the county has over 30 millet production cooperatives and 4 processing enterprises (Xicheng Mountain, Lüxiuyuan, Sanlizhen, and Zhenghong Food). The total planting area is 60,000 mu, with an annual output of 15 million kilograms and a production value of 90 million yuan. Yangcheng millet is transforming from a local product into a branded commodity, moving from the mountains to cities and helping local people increase their income and achieve prosperity.