Yangmei Fermented Black Beans

Yangmei Fermented Black Beans

　　As a famous ancient town in Nanning, Yangmei flourished rapidly during the Ming and Qing dynasties, leveraging its advantageous waterway access to become a key transportation hub in the region. At that time, as a bustling trade and distribution center, Yangmei enjoyed great economic and cultural prosperity. The blending of diverse cultures such as those of the Zhuang and Han peoples transformed this small riverside village into a sizable and well-known town. It was during this period that Yangmei Fermented Black Beans emerged as a renowned traditional food crafted through meticulous manual techniques.

　　Fermented black beans were historically known as "you shu." They have a slightly spicy, slightly astringent taste and a rich fermented aroma. High-quality fermented black beans are glossy and translucent, with plump grains and a strong fragrance. They are rich in various amino acids derived from protein, along with significant amounts of vitamin B1 and other nutrients. Yangmei Fermented Black Beans have gained widespread fame for their strict selection of ingredients, exquisite craftsmanship, and the acclaimed "three pures"—purely natural, purely handmade, and purely green—as well as the "three feels"—pleasant texture, taste, and mouthfeel. Highly cherished by many, they were even the condiment of choice for Qing Dynasty imperial chefs during the Guangxu era. Over the past hundred years, prestigious workshops such as "Guangcheng Hao," "Jianhua Hao," and "Dujiawu" produced Yangmei Fermented Black Beans, with peak annual outputs reaching around 70,000 to 80,000 jin, and the product was exported as far as Fujian and Shanghai. However, with societal progress, economic development, the continuous influx of foreign dietary cultures, and the growing diversity in people’s eating habits, Yangmei Fermented Black Beans are now facing the threat of extinction.

　　In recent years, the Jiangnan District government, in conscientiously implementing the national efforts to inventory intangible cultural heritage, has taken a series of measures to protect and revitalize Yangmei Fermented Black Beans. By actively conducting training programs focused on "passing on, supporting, and mentoring" at "Dujiawu," the government encourages and supports the renovation and expansion of the "Dujiawu" workshop. Leveraging the tourism resources of the ancient Yangmei town, a range of local specialty dishes (such as "fermented black bean stir-fried sweet potato leaves," "fermented black bean braised pork ribs," "fermented black bean stir-fried bitter melon," and "Old Friend Noodles") have been introduced to promote and publicize Yangmei Fermented Black Beans. These efforts aim to help this beautiful traditional ethnic food bloom even more vibrantly.