Longmen Peanuts

Longmen Peanuts

　　In Lushan County, peanuts are almost synonymous with Longmen. When people mention Longmen, peanuts naturally come to mind, and vice versa. In the winter streets of Lushan County, the stalls selling “Longmen Peanuts” are especially bustling. Although these peanuts are three yuan per kilogram more expensive than ordinary ones, buyers still flock to them. A casual inquiry with several customers reveals that they all praise the unique flavor: fragrant, with a sweet aftertaste.

　　Longmen Peanuts are slender in shape with pointed ends that are roughly equal in size. Their shells have distinct ridges, and each peanut is plump. They hold high medicinal and economic value. Eaten raw, they can help prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, and treat conditions such as coronary heart disease and cerebral thrombosis. When cooked with various lean meats, they can nourish the kidneys, invigorate vitality, relax tendons, improve blood circulation, boost brain function, enhance energy, beautify the complexion, and refresh the spirit. Roasted, they are juicy upon first bite and leave a lingering sweet aftertaste, boasting the advantages of being fragrant, crispy, sweet, and quick to melt in the mouth.

　　Longmen Peanuts have a planting history of over a hundred years and have enjoyed a strong reputation in recent years. They are primarily grown in villages and groups within Longmen Township, including He Xin, Wang Huo, Zhang Huo, and Shang Chang Kou in Qinglongchang Village, as well as Guchengping Group in Gucheng Village—with particular prominence in He Xin and Guchengping. The township's total peanut cultivation area spans over 400 acres, yielding around 200 kilograms per acre, for an annual total output of only about 80,000 kilograms. Since the reform and opening-up, as living standards have risen and both the demand for and quality expectations of goods have increased, Longmen Peanuts—owing to their distinctive quality—have become a popular choice for personal indulgence and as gifts for family and friends. They are one of Lushan County’s renowned local specialties, widely praised not only across Ya’an City but also gaining a certain level of recognition beyond.

　　The distinctive qualities of Longmen Peanuts are inseparable from the local climate, soil, and other environmental factors. First, Longmen is located downstream of the Yuxi River. The soil here is sandy loam, formed over hundreds of years by the river’s alluvial deposits. It contains a variety of minerals essential to human health and has excellent permeability, suiting the peanut’s drought-resistant yet water-sensitive nature. Moreover, due to the nature of sandy soil, any surface dirt on the peanuts dries and naturally falls off after harvest, leaving the shells clean with a natural sheen—unlike peanuts in other regions that require washing after harvest. Second, a tributary of the Qingyi River, originating from the northern primitive forests, flows through the entire township. This clear river provides the necessary water source for peanut growth. Third, Longmen is surrounded by mountains, with the Wan Ta Large Funnel connected to the Longmen Cave. The area features karst landforms and valley terrain, with undulating hills covered in lush greenery and picturesque scenery. The unique topography also influences the character of Longmen Peanuts. Fourth, the effects of Longmen’s sunlight and wind play a role. As the region sits in a basin, it enjoys abundant sunshine. Furthermore, the wind in Longmen, affected by the upstream Jinchijia Gorge, is noticeably stronger and more persistent than in other areas. During the peanut harvest season, this helps naturally air-dry the peanuts. These four factors combine to create the uniquely flavorful Longmen Peanuts.