Kelan Cypress-Seed Lamb

Kelan Cypress-Seed Lamb

Kelan Cypress-Seed Lamb is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Cypress-Seed Lamb comes from the mountainous region of Kelan, where the hills are covered with dwarf juniper and ancient cypress groves. The goats feed on cypress seeds and leaves, hence the name “Cypress-Seed Lamb.” The meat is fine-textured, clearly marbled, delicious, and has a unique aroma of cypress seeds. Dishes made with this lamb are not fishy or gamey but exceptionally fragrant and flavorful.

　　Cypress-Seed Lamb in Kelan is mainly stewed lightly to preserve its original flavor—rich and aromatic without being masked by seasonings.

　　The meat of Cypress-Seed Lamb has clear distinctions between lean and fat, tender and delicate, with a purplish-red color and snow-white, jade-like fat that sets it apart from other types of lamb. Dishes and fillings made with this lamb are neither gamey nor greasy, but instead possess a fragrant aroma reminiscent of cypress trees, offering a unique and lingering taste. “Cypress-Seed Lamb” contains not only the typical nutritional components found in regular lamb but also eight essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize. Eating this meat can help regulate blood flow, soothe the nerves, and nourish the heart.

　　The current administrative region of Kelan County, Shanxi Province

　　“Letter from the People’s Government of Kelan County Regarding the Delimitation of the Protected Origin Range of Kelan Cypress-Seed Lamb as a Geographical Indication Product,” Ke Zheng Han [2012] No. 22

　　“Quality and Technical Specifications for ‘Kelan Cypress-Seed Lamb’” by the Kelan County Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Ke Mu Zi (2012) No. 7