Chaozhou Old Fragrant Yellow

Chaozhou Old Fragrant Yellow

　　Chaozhou-Shantou preserved fruit Old Fragrant Yellow (also known as Old Citron or Buddha’s Hand Fragrant Yellow) is made by pickling the fruit of the Buddha’s hand citron (also called Five-finger Citron, Honey Loquat, or Fortune Citron). Renowned for its significant medicinal value, it is highly favored by the people of Chaoshan and enjoys fame both domestically and abroad.

　　“Old Fragrant Yellow” is a type of medicinal cuisine, not a flower.

　　The main ingredient of “Old Fragrant Yellow” is the fruit of the medicinal plant Buddha’s hand, which can weigh several pounds or just a few ounces. When preparing it, the locals add honey and medicinal herbs, following a complex production process. After multiple rounds of pickling and processing, it is sealed in earthenware jars until it turns glossy and pitch-black, with a texture smooth and paste-like. Slicing off a piece to steep in tea can help treat coughs and wheezing, regulate qi, and soothe the stomach. As soon as you step into a preserved fruit shop run by the locals, the unique aged fragrance of Buddha’s hand from the “Old Fragrant Yellow” leaves a lingering impression.

　　The longer “Old Fragrant Yellow” is aged, the higher its value. A so-called ten-year-old piece of “Old Fragrant Yellow” can cost up to a hundred yuan, making it even more valuable than seafood.