Northern Shaanxi Millet

Northern Shaanxi Millet

　　Northern Shaanxi millet, also known as foxtail millet or simply "millet," benefits from the region's unique natural conditions and the long-term agricultural practices of the people of Yan'an. With abundant sunlight and heat, significant diurnal temperature variations, and ample nutrient accumulation, the area is exceptionally suited for growing high-quality millet. After ripening, the grains require only minimal processing to become the golden, fragrant millet. Yan'an millet made a special contribution to the Chinese revolution. In 1935, when the Party Central Committee and Chairman Mao arrived in Northern Shaanxi after the Long March, millet nourished countless revolutionary soldiers. With "millet plus rifles," they defeated the airplanes and cannons of the reactionary forces. Since then, Yan'an millet has become widely known across China. Yan'an millet is golden in color, round and plump in grain, crystal clear and shiny, sticky yet fluffy, and aromatic. It contains 13% protein and is rich in various vitamins, especially lysine and methionine—amino acids that are essential for the human body but cannot be synthesized internally. Millet can be steamed or boiled, and when cooked into porridge, it is smooth, golden, sticky, and flavorful, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth. It is believed to nourish the body and replenish vitality, earning the folk saying of being "nourishing to people." It is a highly favored food among both the elderly, children, and pregnant women. In recent years, scientifically improved "Yan'an Fragrant Rice" has become an even finer product. Packaged Yan'an Fragrant Rice has emerged as an important tourist commodity, enjoying high demand and often selling out quickly. (Yan'an)