Yellow Treasure – Licorice

Yellow Treasure – Licorice

　　    Ningxia has long been known as the hometown of licorice. In the height of summer, wandering through Ningxia’s vast wilderness, even in the semi-desert areas, you can spot everywhere the pale red to purplish licorice flowers in full bloom, their delicate and intoxicating fragrance captivating the senses. It is hailed as the “master of drought resistance and a sentinel against sandstorms.” Ningxia licorice is renowned for its bright red color, fine skin, heavy and powdery texture, straight and smooth roots, fresh cross-sections, and fine processing. Its fame spans the northwest, commonly called “Western Town Licorice,” and is as prestigious as the “Liangwai Licorice” from Inner Mongolia, enjoying renown both at home and abroad.

　　Licorice, also known as sweet grass, has a long history of medicinal use. As early as over two thousand years ago, in the “Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica,” it was ranked as a top-grade herb. The Southern Dynasties physician Tao Hongjing stated: “This herb is the king of all medicines; few prescriptions are without it,” and honored it as the “Elder of the Nation.” Licorice is a commonly used detoxifying and harmonizing agent in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a neutral nature and sweet taste, and is effective in clearing heat, removing phlegm, relieving pain, easing spasms, strengthening the spleen, nourishing the lungs, and even fighting cancer. In addition, licorice products can also be used as flavoring agents in candies, cigarettes, and beer, as well as stabilizers in chemical and dye industries. The best-quality licorice in Ningxia comes from areas such as Yanchi, Tongxin, and Lingwu, which also produce the highest yields. The refined “licorice paste” and “licorice dew” are widely famous and have remained ever-popular bestsellers. (Yinchuan)