Jingyang Black-Bone Chicken

Jingyang Black-Bone Chicken

　　Jingyang Black-Bone Chicken

　　The black-bone chicken, also called Wushan chicken or Silkie (Gallus domesticus), is an omnivorous domesticated bird. In the United States, it is called the silky bantam. The chicken is small in size, with a small head and a short neck. It originates from Wushan in Taihe County, Jiangxi Province, China, where it has been raised for over 2,000 years. Through evolution and breeding, it can now be found in many countries. Not only are its beak, eyes, and feet black, but its skin, muscles, bones, and most internal organs are also black. Depending on the rearing environment, the characteristics of the black-bone chicken vary—some have white feathers with black bones, others black feathers with black bones, black bones with black meat, or white meat with black bones, among other combinations. The color of their feathers also varies due to different rearing methods. Besides the original white, there are now black, blue, dark yellow, gray, and brown varieties. In terms of nutritional value, black-bone chicken is far superior to ordinary chicken, and it has a particularly tender texture. As for its medicinal and dietary therapeutic effects, it is even more unmatched by common chickens, earning it the title of “precious medicinal and dietary bird.”

　　During the Tang Dynasty, black-bone chicken was used as the main ingredient in elixirs (maifengdanyao) to treat various gynecological diseases. The famous Compendium of Materia Medica from the Ming Dynasty describes Taihe black-bone chicken as a tonic and nourishing remedy for gynecological conditions. Research by the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that black-bone chicken possesses unique nutritional and medicinal value. This is due to the rare natural environment of Wushan, especially its mineral-rich spring water. The chickens drink this water and feed on wild grasses and insects, thus absorbing its essence.

　　Compared to regular chicken, black-bone chicken contains ten types of amino acids, along with higher levels of protein, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin E, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and sodium, while having very low levels of cholesterol and fat. No wonder people call it the “black-hearted treasure.” Therefore, black-bone chicken is an excellent food for replenishing energy, building up the body, and improving health. Consuming black-bone chicken can enhance physiological functions, delay aging, and strengthen bones and muscles. It has significant effects in preventing osteoporosis, rickets, and iron-deficiency anemia in women. The Compendium of Materia Medica states that black-bone chicken can tonify weakness, relieve thirst, benefit postpartum women, treat metrorrhagia and leukorrhea in women, and address various deficiencies and ailments. The well-known Black-Bone Chicken and White Phoenix Pills are an effective medicine for nourishing the liver and kidneys, enriching blood and essence, strengthening the spleen, and consolidating collapse. Suitable groups and recommended intake:

　　Suitable for all individuals, especially those who are physically weak, anemic, have liver-kidney insufficiency, or poor gastrointestinal health. Recommended serving size is 150 grams per time.

　　Friendly Reminder:

　　For the best tonic effect, simmer the black-bone chicken with the bones (crushed) in soup. Avoid using a pressure cooker when stewing; instead, use a clay pot and slow simmer over gentle heat.