Shanyang Soybean Oil Skin

Shanyang Soybean Oil Skin

　　Shanyang Soybean Oil Skin is a specialty of Shanyang County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province. Also known as tofu skin, it is rich in nutrients and delicious in taste. It is not only an essential dish at banquets in Shanyang but also makes a great gift for family and friends.

　　Locally referred to as "douyou", soybean oil skin is made by simmering soy milk over a low flame in a pot. The proteins and fats in the soy milk float to the surface and oxidize upon contact with air, forming a thin skin. Once the skin takes shape, it is lifted out using a bamboo slice or stick, then placed in a well-ventilated, sunlit area to dry naturally. According to modern scientific analysis, in addition to proteins and fats, soybean oil skin contains 18 essential trace elements required by the human body such as iron, calcium, and molybdenum. It is also easily digestible and quickly absorbed. Children who consume it can boost their immunity and promote physical and intellectual development; elderly people who eat it regularly may enjoy longevity; and pregnant women, especially after childbirth, can benefit from its ability to quickly restore health and increase breast milk production. There are various ways to eat soybean oil skin, but the most common include cold tossing, making soup, and adding it to hot pot.

　　The origins of Shanyang Soybean Oil Skin date back to ancient times, although the exact period is unknown. Its main production areas are Gao’ba, Zhongcun, and Manchuan. In the past, locals would peel off three to five sheets of it while making tofu around the New Year. However, they could not take too much—doing so would spoil the taste of the tofu and also compromise the quality of the oil skin. As a result, while soybean oil skin was merely a byproduct of tofu-making, it was considered the essence of bean-based foods.

　　Soybean oil skin is rich in nutrients and delicious in taste. Not only is it an essential dish at banquets in Shanyang and a great gift for family and friends, but it is also in limited supply, making it hard to meet market demand. In recent years, its price has risen sharply from 10 yuan per jin to over 30 yuan. Wang Bo and his son from Qiaocai’goukou Village, Jiuzhai Town, Chengguan County, learned modern soybean oil skin production techniques while working away from home. They pioneered the specialized production of Shanyang soybean oil skin, producing high-quality oil skin that not only satisfies market demand but also generates considerable income for their family.