Buckwheat from Yanmen

Buckwheat from Yanmen

　　Buckwheat from Yanmen is a variety of tartary buckwheat (scientific name: Fagopyrum tataricum), specifically grown in the ancient Yanmen Commandery (the area around the ancient Yanmen Pass, now covering parts of Datong and Shuozhou in Shanxi Province). This region features a continental semi-arid climate with distinct seasons, high altitude, cold temperatures, and sandy loam soil rich in elements such as selenium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, it has been a gathering place for northern ethnic minorities (such as the Tatars) in China.

　　　　Buckwheat from Yanmen is a food recommended by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization for both medicinal and dietary use. It is now developed by Shanxi Yanmen Qinggao Food Industry Co., Ltd., which produces a range of Yanmen Qinggao buckwheat products, including buckwheat health tea, buckwheat rice and flour staples, buckwheat vinegar side dishes, buckwheat snacks, and buckwheat home textiles.

　　The Story of Buckwheat from Yanmen

　　　　Buckwheat from Yanmen is highly nutritious and especially beloved in Japan and South Korea. There is a wide variety of buckwheat products available, including noodles, pastries, beverages, and snacks, and buckwheat restaurants can be found everywhere—in streets, train stations, docks, and airports. Despite the high prices, business is booming. In the early years after China’s opening up to the world, Japan sent several people to China to search for high-quality buckwheat crops, and Yanmen buckwheat received significant attention. Test results showed that among all types of buckwheat, Yanmen buckwheat had the strongest efficacy, the best variety, and was most suited to the physiological needs of modern people. The Japanese, who had been searching far and wide for quality buckwheat, sincerely praised Yanmen buckwheat, declaring: “Yanmen buckwheat is the best!” Soon after, Japan signed substantial import orders for Yanmen buckwheat with relevant departments in Shanxi.

　　Historical Legend

　　　　It is said that during the ancient Jin Dynasty, the emperor had nine sons, each governing their own territory. One year, a plague spread widely—victims suffered from limb weakness, persistent high fevers, and medicine proved ineffective. In just ten days, countless people died. Fear gripped both soldiers and civilians. The eighth prince, Shu, was known for his wise governance and virtuous reputation. Heartbroken at seeing his people starving and plagued by illness, he prayed daily to the gods for their mercy. Eventually, Prince Shu pleaded on behalf of the people to avoid the disaster and led three thousand citizens into the Yanmen region. Whenever anyone fell ill, Shu would stay by their side, offering comfort with tears in his eyes. As food supplies dwindled and the plague worsened, Shu and the people survived by foraging wild fruits and vegetables. One day, Shennong, the Heavenly God of Medicine, returned from gathering herbs and disguised himself as a beggar among the people, hoping to understand the situation and relieve their suffering. Shu treated him with great respect. Moved by Shu’s sincerity and compassion for the people, Shennong reported the plague to the Jade Emperor, but received no response. As the plague grew more severe, Shennong, desperate to help, risked his life to steal the divine buckwheat grains of Yanmen from the Jade Emperor and scattered them across the Yanmen land. The next day, fields of Yanmen buckwheat covered the land. Shu led the people in harvesting the grains. Despite its bitter taste, the soldiers and civilians ate it eagerly just to fill their stomachs. Within days, the plague subsided without treatment, and the people regained their health.

　　Historical Story

　　　　Tracing the history of Yanmen buckwheat, there is a story from the Song Dynasty known as the “Grain That Saved the Emperor.” As is well known, the Yang Family Generals have been revered throughout Chinese history for their noble integrity and patriotism. Once, Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty and the Yang Family were besieged by the Liao army at Yanmen Pass, and their food supplies were nearly exhausted. The emperor was so hungry he felt weak all over, and most of the soldiers were physically drained, with many injured or sick—but lacking medicine, their fighting capacity was greatly diminished. At this critical moment, local people offered their famous Yanmen buckwheat to support the troops. After days of hunger, the Song soldiers finally had a full meal, and Emperor Taizong even praised the rich, delicious flavor of the buckwheat. After eating it for several days, the emperor regained his strength, the soldiers’ illnesses healed without treatment, and the army’s combat capability was restored. Everyone marveled at the miracle but didn’t understand why—some believed it was heaven’s blessing on the Song Dynasty. They began calling Yanmen buckwheat “Grain That Saved the Emperor.” The observant Yang Family Generals asked the locals and learned that when people felt unwell, few took medicine—instead, they would eat several meals of Yanmen buckwheat and recover quickly. After several fierce battles, the Yang Family Generals finally broke the siege and drove back the Liao army. Upon returning triumphantly to the capital, Emperor Taizong never forgot this event. He personally inscribed the words “China’s Number One Buckwheat” and gifted them to the local people, expressing his gratitude for the life-saving role of Yanmen buckwheat. He also ordered that Yanmen buckwheat be presented as an annual “tribute.” Because of its special therapeutic effects and legendary status, Yanmen buckwheat is locally referred to as the “local tetracycline.”