Yangbi walnuts, walnut milk

Yangbi walnuts, walnut milk

　　Located at the western foot of the Diancang Mountains in Dali, Yangbi County is renowned both domestically and internationally as the "Hometown of Walnuts."

Yangbi County is embraced by the Yangbi River, surrounded by towering green mountains, vast land, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil. Lush walnut trees heavy with fruit thrive in every hill and valley. Yangbi walnuts are known for their large size, thin shells, plump kernels, white color, high kernel yield, fragrant taste, and rich nutrition.

Qing Dynasty scholar Tan Cui wrote in *Dianhai Yuheng Zhi*: “Among walnuts, those from Yangbi are the finest, with shells so thin they can be cracked with a pinch.” Near Luojiacun Village in Pingpo, there stands a Pu’er walnut tree revered by locals as the “Walnut King.” Standing 17 meters tall with a canopy covering over eight *fen* of land, the annual harvest from this tree yields enough walnuts to produce over 200 pounds of oil.

Walnuts are a beloved nourishing food, enjoyed both raw and cooked. They are a common ingredient in pastries, candies, condiments, and cooking oils. During the Spring Festival, walnuts are used as filling for sweet dumplings (tangyuan), while fresh walnuts are a must-eat during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In restaurants or family meals, fried walnut kernels are a delicious delicacy.

Many households slice walnuts thinly and infuse them in hot brown sugar water to make walnut tea, which is believed to moisten the lungs, dissolve phlegm, invigorate the spirit, and boost energy. In Yangbi, hospitable hosts often serve walnuts and honey to guests. It is said that dipping walnuts in honey can nourish the body and promote longevity. Located in Yangbi County, the Dali Shenda Industrial Company produces a natural food product—Yangebao-brand walnut milk, a plant-based protein drink developed by the Beijing Nutrition Source Research Institute. It was first produced in 1994, with an annual output of 5,000 tons. Yangbi walnut milk is made from the clear springs of the Diancang Mountains and Yangbi’s specialty walnuts, using a scientifically formulated process. The product is known to nourish the lungs, promote saliva production, strengthen kidneys, improve brain function, stimulate hair growth, darken hair, and enhance beauty and skin health. It contains 18 essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, fat-soluble vitamins, and trace elements required by the human body. Since its launch, Yangbi walnut milk has won numerous awards, including the Gold Award at the 1994 China Health Products Expo, the Silver Award at the National Forestry Famous and Special Products Expo, and again the Gold Award at the June 1995 Second China International Beverages and Technology Expo. It was also recognized as a High-Quality Halal Food at the First China High-Quality Halal Food Recommendation Conference and listed as an official recommended health drink for tourism in Dali Prefecture. (Dali)