Guilin Yuba

Guilin Yuba

Guilin Yuba is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Yuba, also known as "bean curd stick," has been a standout among various vegetarian dishes since the Tang Dynasty. It gets its name from its resemblance to dried bamboo sticks. “Guilin Yuba” is a nationally protected geographical indication product from the Guilin area in Guangxi. Produced by over 20 Guilin fermented bean curd factories, the annual output exceeds 1,000 tons. High-quality soybeans are ground into soymilk, which is then poured into pots and heated. The coagulated film of soymilk is hand-pulled and draped over bamboo poles to dry or be oven-dried, resulting in yuba.

　　　　Guilin Yuba became popular around the Tang Dynasty when Guilin was a strategic hub connecting Central China to the Lingnan region. Buddhism flourished here with numerous temples and widespread vegetarian practices. As a vegetarian food, yuba rose in prominence. Since the Tang Dynasty, the tradition has been passed down through generations and continues to this day, making yuba a traditional food in Guilin. Thanks to the soaking of soybeans in the waters of the Li River and Taohua River, along with the unique traditional production techniques, the finished product is light yellow in color, glossy and oily, thick and plump, hollow and crispy, with excellent quality. It contains 45% protein and 25% fat, with very low cholesterol and saturated fat.

　　Composed entirely of plant-based nutrients, it is hailed as the “best of vegetarian foods.” Yuba can be cooked in many ways—fried, stewed, stir-fried, or braised. Whether used as a main dish or a side, it can be prepared into delicious, aromatic, crispy, tender, and uniquely flavored vegetarian or meat dishes. It is sold throughout China and exported to Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, and other regions and countries. “Xiangshan Brand” yuba won the National Food Silver Award three times since 1981, the Gold Award at the First China Food Expo in 1988, the Gold Award at the First Light Industry Ministry Expo in 1990, and the Gold Award at the Second Beijing International Expo in 1991. “Li-” brand yuba received the Guangxi Quality Product Award in 1990.

　　　In December 2010, “Guilin Yuba” was reviewed by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, which confirmed the implementation of protected geographical indication status for “Guilin Yuba.” The production area includes the administrative regions of 12 counties in Guilin City, Guangxi Province: Yongfu County, Lingui County, Yangshuo County, Longsheng County, Lingchuan County, Lipu County, Pingle County, Gongcheng County, Xing’an County, Quanzhou County, Ziyuan County, and Guanyang County.