Cen Mountain Mustard Greens

Cen Mountain Mustard Greens

Cen Mountain mustard greens are a recognized geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Cen Mountain mustard greens are produced in Ningwu County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. Cultivation began in the Ming Dynasty, and they are known across northern Shanxi for their large, firm roots and richly spicy flavor. Nestled in the heart of the Guancen Mountain Range, the Cen Mountain area enjoys a cold and moist highland climate, with an average annual temperature of around 4°C. The region is densely forested, with towering ancient trees and exceptional vegetation coverage, providing unique natural conditions for the cultivation and growth of mustard greens. Over time, local farmers have developed a complete set of cultivation techniques through long-term agricultural practice. In recent years, the planting area has gradually expanded, turning mustard greens into a major economic advantage for the region. Known for their excellent quality, Cen Mountain mustard greens have gained widespread fame. They also offer high medicinal value—locals use “burnt and powdered mustard stems applied frequently” to treat swollen, rotting gums and bad breath; washing with mustard green broth can relieve itching; and mustard seeds have even broader medicinal uses. Additionally, Cen Mountain mustard greens can be stir-fried with various vegetables and meats to create a range of dishes, or pickled. There’s even a local saying: “Two taels of baijiu to pickle mustard greens.”

　　Cen Mountain mustard greens are fine-textured and firm, spicy with sweet and sour undertones. They have a smooth, attractive appearance with white and green hues, are free from maggots or pests, and feature large, heavy roots. Their superior quality and rich nutrition have made them famous across northern Shanxi.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Ningwu County is located at the foothills of the Guancen Mountain Range in northwestern Shanxi. To the north, it borders Shuozhou along the Inner Great Wall; to the northwest, it adjoins Shenchi County, marked by the Huanghua Ridge; to the southwest, it faces Wuzhai and Kelan counties, backed by the Heye Plain and Luya Mountains; to the south, it connects with Jingyue County; to the southeast, it is separated from Xinzhou by the Yunzhong Mountain; and to the east, it links with Yuanping City. Its geographic coordinates lie between 111°50′–112°40′ east longitude and 38°31′–39°8′ north latitude, covering a total area of 1,987.7 square kilometers. The geographical indication protection area for Cen Mountain mustard greens includes 60 administrative villages across two towns in Ningwu County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province: Cen Mountain Township and Dongzhai Town. The protected geographic coordinates span 110°56′32″–112°10′44″ east longitude and 38°44′52″–39°00′00″ north latitude, with a planting area of 3,000 mu and an annual total output of 2,500 metric tons.