Zizhou Soybeans

Zizhou Soybeans

Zizhou soybeans are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Zizhou soybeans are a specialty of Zizhou County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province.

　　Zizhou soybeans are authentic, non-GMO, original variety soybeans with years of cultivation history within Zizhou County, representing the unique eco-friendly soybeans of Northern Shaanxi. As early as the Suide Prefecture Records and Mizhi County Records, the "Products" section of the Mizhi County Records from the 20th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1681) noted: “Beans, including cowpea, small, green, black, white, greenish, pea, flat, red, yellow—over ten varieties in total.” Due to their appearance resembling ancient ingots, locals fondly call them “Zizhou Ingot Beans.” Their isoflavone content is particularly high compared to major soybean-producing regions such as Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang, making them truly the “king of beans.”

　　The history of soybean cultivation in Zizhou County dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties through the Qin and Han periods, and these are unique original-variety eco-crops of the Loess Plateau in Northern Shaanxi. The beans are large and plump, oval-shaped, with small brown spots on the hilum, resembling human kidneys. Their ingot-like appearance has also earned them the local nickname “Zizhou Ingot Beans.” The isoflavone content in Zizhou soybeans is more than twice that of soybeans from the Northeast, Gansu, and Xinjiang, truly earning the title of the “king of beans.”

　　Zizhou soybeans have both dietary and medicinal uses. For consumption, they are commonly used to make various local specialties such as soybean sprouts, tofu, qianqian rice, soy milk, stir-fried soybeans, soybean paste, and soybean oil. Medicinally, Zizhou soybeans have a long tradition of being used in traditional remedies. Soy isoflavones play a significant role in enhancing immune function, preventing cancer, protecting against cardiovascular diseases, delaying female aging, and effectively treating menopausal syndrome.

　　The recognition of “Zizhou Soybeans” as a national geographical indication product is a great achievement for all the people of Zizhou County. It will further enhance the reputation of Zizhou soybeans, protect their premium quality, increase farmers' income, promote agricultural development, and thereby drive the harmonious and healthy social and economic progress of Zizhou.

　　From March 29 to April 1, 1947, during his campaign across Northern Shaanxi, Chairman Mao Zedong stayed at the home of Qiu Pengming, a villager in Qiuping Village along the Huaining River. There, he enjoyed authentic Zizhou soybean qianqian rice and cold bean sprout salad. Before leaving, he told Qiu Pengming: “Zizhou soybeans are really good. Eating qianqian rice in the morning makes you feel refreshed all day. The cold bean sprout salad is also excellent. You must grow more soybeans.” Since then, “Zizhou Soybeans” have become a household name, and this statement has become the most heartfelt praise from the local people. Today, Zizhou soybean qianqian rice and bean sprouts have also developed into local specialty delicacies.

　　Zizhou Soybeans

　　The administrative region currently under the jurisdiction of 14 towns and townships in Zizhou County, Shaanxi Province: Shuanghuyu Town, Hejiaji Town, Laojunmiao Town, Peijiawan Town, Miaojiaping Town, Sanchakou Town, Matigou Town, Zhoujiayan Town, Dianshi Town, Zhuanmiao Town, Huainingwan Town, Tuo’erxiang Township, Macha Township, and HuaiShuxia Township.

　　“Letter from the People’s Government of Zizhou County Regarding the Application to Define the Geographical Indication Product Protection Scope of Zizhou Soybeans,” Zi Zheng Han [2014] No. 86

　　Local Standards of Zizhou County:

　　DB610831/T01-2014 “Zizhou Soybean Planting Technical Specifications and Quality Requirements”