Water Spinach from Duowen

Water Spinach from Duowen

Water spinach from Duowen is a product with geographical indication.

　　Water spinach from Duowen, also known as "President’s Spinach," got its name in 1972 when the United States President Richard Nixon visited China and this particular vegetable was specially airlifted from Haikou to Beijing to serve him. Origin: Toushenshu, Duowen Town, Lingao County. It mainly grows in natural springs and is cultivated on just over 30 acres of land. Due to its unique growing environment, it is completely different from other types of water spinach. It has long stems and fewer leaves, stays fresh and green even after being left out for 3–4 days, and when stir-fried, it tastes tender, delicious, and has a unique flavor.

　　Duowen Ridge is located in the southeastern part of Lingao County, Hainan Province, less than 1 kilometer from the town government. It is one of the higher ridges within Lingao County, with an elevation of 244 meters. At the foot of Duowen Ridge lies a small town, and Duowen Town is named after the ridge. It borders Huangtong to the east, Jialai and Heshe to the south, the county seat of Lingao to the west, and Bohou and other towns to the north. The Xiwen Western Route and the Yuehai Railway run through Duowen, making it a key transportation hub in western Hainan with convenient access. Nearby Duowen Town is a state-owned farm called Honghua Farm.

　　Duowen Town enjoys a mild climate and fertile soil, making it an ideal place for developing high-efficiency tropical agriculture. Local specialties include sugarcane, peanuts, bananas, Duowen “Toushen Water Spinach,” Fengya pickled vegetables, Lingao suckling pig, and Dongjiang chicken. The most famous product at the foot of Duowen Ridge is undoubtedly Duowen “Toushen Water Spinach.” Among the local specialties, Toushen Water Spinach is the most renowned and enjoys widespread fame.

　　It is said that as early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, Duowen “Toushen Water Spinach” was already a tribute to the imperial court. It originates from Toushen Village, Duowen Town, Lingao County. “Toushen Water Spinach” is also called “President’s Spinach.” In 1972, during U.S. President Richard Nixon’s visit to China, this vegetable was specially airlifted from Haikou to Beijing to serve him, hence the name. “Toushen Water Spinach” mainly grows in natural springs and is cultivated on just over 30 acres of land. Owing to its special growing conditions, it is entirely different from other types of water spinach. It has long stems, fewer leaves, remains fresh and green even if left out for 3–4 days, and when stir-fried, it tastes tender, delicious, and has a unique character. Its main characteristics are that it is crispy, tender, smooth, with very little fiber, does not discolor when stir-fried over an open flame, has a fragrant taste, and offers a pleasant mouthfeel. Its leaves are small, mostly showing neat, tender stems, giving it a very delicate and attractive appearance that sets it apart and makes it instantly likable. Everyone who has tried it is amazed. Due to its refined and elegant quality, it has long been sold in hotels and restaurants. Also, because it is a type of wild vegetable that requires minimal management and few pesticides, it can be considered a natural green food.

　　Duowen “Toushen Water Spinach” is truly a case of “the local environment grows the local vegetable,” which is greatly influenced by its geographical location, soil, climate, and water source. Authentic “Duowen Water Spinach” grows in a spring in Toushen Village, Duowen Town, supplemented with manure from humans and animals. Only spinach cultivated this way is the genuine, well-known “Duowen Water Spinach” that is famous throughout Hainan and abroad.

　　Duowen “Toushen Water Spinach” is now a well-known local specialty dish in Hainan. It is a must-have in street hot pot and dry stir-fries; in restaurants, it is commonly seen stir-fried plainly or with shrimp paste. Whether stir-fried or used in hot pot, it offers a crisp and delicious taste that lingers. Not only does it cut through greasiness and taste great, but it also aids digestion and promotes health, making it a favorite among many. Duowen “Toushen Water Spinach” enjoys a certain level of fame across Hainan, as well as in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.