Hechi Huanjiang Fragrant Pig

Hechi Huanjiang Fragrant Pig

Huanjiang Fragrant Pig is a geographical indication protected product.

Huanjiang Fragrant Pig is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Huanjiang Fragrant Pig comes from Dongxing Township and Minglun Township in Huanjiang County, the birthplace of this breed. The area provides special thatch grass used exclusively for roasting the pig, resulting in a truly unique flavor—crispy, tender, and smooth. It is one of the specialties of Huanjiang.

　　　　As a specialty of the Maonan Autonomous County of Huanjiang, this prized dish at banquets has earned widespread acclaim across the nation and beyond for its uniquely delicious flavor.

　　 ——A Product of Unique Geographic Conditions. According to folklore, the Fragrant Pig first settled in Huanjiang during the Ming Dynasty, making it a breed with a long history. Townships such as Minglun, Longyan, and Xunle in the Huanjiang area lie deep within the Jiulong Mountains, in remote high-altitude regions of the county. Most areas consist of peak-cluster valleys at elevations of 500–800 meters, characterized by rocky mountainous terrain with limited sunlight and long crop growth cycles. The region is isolated with treacherous mountain paths. Under these unique environmental conditions, this miniature local pig breed gradually formed. Since the 1960s, due to limited technological advancement and a focus on solving food scarcity, people favored fast-growing, large-sized improved pig breeds, sidelining the small and slow-growing Fragrant Pig. This led to a significant decline in the population of this rare breed. In 1978, the Experimental Animal Laboratory of Jinan University collaborated with the animal husbandry department of Huanjiang County to rediscover the authentic breed and initiate research. Leveraging the serene green mountains and pleasant climate of Yibei, they fed the pigs mainly with mixed grains, beans, and wild mountain vines and greens infused with the essence of nature, supplemented with moderate amounts of the uniquely fragrant glutinous and japonica rice. The pigs were primarily raised in pens and fed twice daily. After years of collaborative development, the project succeeded. As living standards improved and dietary preferences shifted toward nutritious and flavorful cuisine, this “aristocrat” among pig breeds regained popularity and saw rapid development.

　　 　　In addition to living in a unique ecological environment and being fed exclusive feed, the Huanjiang Fragrant Pig also benefits from generations of closed breeding practices that prevent the introduction of external bloodlines. This has resulted in its distinctive appearance, often described as “black pearls” or “plump winter melons”: First, it is small in size—typically 19 cm tall and 40 cm long at two months old. Second, it is entirely black—from head to hoof, even the hard hooves and fine hair tips are glossy black. Third, it has thin skin—0.05 cm for piglets and 0.16 cm for adults. Fourth, its bones are fine, accounting for only 7.9% of body weight. Fifth, it is lightweight—weighing 4–8 kg when weaned at two months and around 60 kg as an adult. Sixth, it is hardy—enduring two-day, two-night transport and surviving hunger and thirst over long distances with minimal loss. The unique genetic traits of the Fragrant Pig have remained extremely stable with no variation.

　　 　　Huanjiang Fragrant Pig is ideally slaughtered at around 6 kg. After scalding to remove the hair, it is singed with glutinous rice straw until the skin turns golden yellow. The meat can be roasted or boiled. Roasted, it is crispy, delicious, and aromatic; boiled, it is tender, juicy, and fragrant. Both methods result in meat without any gaminess and can be eaten in large quantities without becoming tiresome. However, seasonings are essential. When serving boiled Fragrant Pig, a dipping sauce made with vinegar concentrate, water chestnut aroma, ginger, chili, smartweed, scallion whites, mashed garlic, fermented tofu, biscuit powder, and sesame oil enhances its flavor. During festivals and banquets, it stimulates the appetite and enhances drinking pleasure. Without self-restraint, guests may find themselves in the scene of “every household seeing drunk guests home.”

　　 Huanjiang Fragrant Pig not only offers tender and delicious meat but also has uniquely balanced nutritional content.

　　 The sensational impact of Huanjiang Fragrant Pig delighted the county’s officials. In the autumn of 1993, an exciting decision emerged from the government office: immediately establish the “Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County Development Corporation” with the goal of creating four “Ten-Thousand-Pig Fragrant Pig Townships” within two years. Soon after, the county’s Fragrant Pig Development Corporation signed an agreement with Putian Defa Auto Transport Co., Ltd. in Fujian Province to jointly establish a Fragrant Pig feed base and wholesale market in Huanjiang. The plan included integrated production, supply, and sales services, with the potential later development of Fragrant Pig canned food. Townships such as Minglun, Dongxing, Longyan, and Xunle successively set up Fragrant Pig development companies, mobilizing local households to become pig-raising farms. Currently, Minglun Township has achieved the status of a “Ten-Thousand-Pig Fragrant Pig Township.”

　　 　　As the saying goes, “When one family raises a daughter, a hundred families come courting.” In mid-March 1994, during the Guangxi International Folk Song Festival Economic, Trade, Science, and Technology Trade Fair, Huanjiang Fragrant Pig gained fame throughout Yongcheng. The eight captivating characters in the Maonan Mountain Exhibition Hall—“The World’s Delicacy, Huanjiang Fragrant Pig”—captured the attention of merchants everywhere. Roasted Fragrant Pig was offered at a promotional price of 35 yuan per jin, while live pigs (6 kg each) were priced at 140 yuan per head. Over 40 pigs on display were sold out in less than half an hour. Guangxi Television conducted an on-site interview on the production and sales of Huanjiang Fragrant Pig, broadcasting it during the trade fair, which helped the breed shine brilliantly in Nanning during the vibrant March, gaining international recognition. Currently, export departments from within and outside the region, as well as merchants from Hong Kong and Taiwan, have approached for cooperative development. Business entities and individual merchants from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Huizhou, and Shunde have also successively contacted the county for orders.

　　 　　Each place has its own unique offerings. Whether visiting Huanjiang in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you can not only witness the vibrancy of the Fragrant Pig market but also indulge in its delicious taste. Exploring the beautiful landscapes that bestow the Fragrant Pig with its unique charm will leave you with unforgettable memories and a lingering desire to return.