Pig skin strips

Pig skin strips

　　Pig skin strips are a delicious dish that was once an imperial tribute during the Qing Dynasty and a delicacy served in the royal court. This dish has a uniquely delightful flavor and is considered one of the best foods for beauty and skin care. The history of making pig skin strips dates back at least 150 years. During the Xianfeng Emperor's reign, Gushi pig skin strips were already famous in the capital as well as in cities like Tianjin and Jinan. When served, they are first deep-fried until fluffy, then soaked in water and steamed. They can be prepared into premium dishes such as “Pineflower Pig Skin Strips,” “Fluffy Pig Skin Strips,” and “Pig Skin Ball,” all of which have a uniquely delightful flavor and are considered excellent for beauty and skin care.

　　Pig skin strips are made from fresh pig skin through more than ten processing steps. They have a golden, shiny appearance and are as thin as cicada wings. They are smooth without being greasy and have an exquisite taste. High-quality pig skin strips, when cooked by top chefs, become a famous banquet dish to entertain guests and are generally hard to come by. The origin of pig skin strips dates back to the late Ming Dynasty, and they were offered as tribute during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, with a production history of several hundred years. Pig skin strips are loose, elastic, and can be piled up easily. They do not stick together or tangle when stir-fried. Their taste is soft, tender, fragrant, and they are rich in protein and various vitamins. Pig skin strips are not only renowned in China but are also considered a delicacy in several restaurants in American Chinatowns.

　　Pig skin strips, renowned both at home and abroad, were historically used as imperial tributes and are still considered a traditional specialty today. In 1914, pig skin strips were exhibited as a Chinese specialty at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition and received praise from foreign merchants. Today’s food connoisseurs praise them as: “Beautiful as golden threads, delicate as lotus root threads, soft and palatable with lingering fragrance.” Mr. Zhang Liangbi, an overseas Chinese in the United States, told us during his hometown visit: “Pig skin strips are highly nutritious and delicious, and are regarded as a treasured dish in several restaurants in American Chinatowns.”