Basic Introduction to Shiji TeaThe Chuzhou Shiji Tea Plantation was founded in 1958. It is located in the town of Shiji, Nanqiao District, west of Chuzhou City, known as the "Famous Tea Town of Eastern Anhui." This plantation is one of the larger tea farms in Chuzhou City and produces well-known brands such as "Xijian Chunxue," "Hongfu Chuju," "Shiji Mao Feng," "Puxian Cloud Mist," and "Shiji Baked Green Tea." Nutritional ValueModern scientific separation and identification have found that tea contains over four hundred organic chemical components and more than forty inorganic mineral elements. Many of these organic chemical components and inorganic mineral elements are nutritious and have medicinal properties. The major organic chemical components include: tea polyphenols, plant alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, pectin, organic acids, lipopolysaccharides, sugars, enzymes, pigments, etc. History and FolkloreIn Chuzhou, located in eastern Anhui, when it comes to tea, even children know about Shiji tea. Chuzhou tea belongs to the category of nationally renowned teas. Its predecessor was "Nanqiao Tribute Tea," a type of green tea. Originating from the Buddhist community, it took its name from the local area and became famous during the Song Dynasty. During the Song Dynasty, Master Wuzhen, the abbot of…

A portrait of Emperor Qianlong by painter Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining).[Photo provided to China Daily]The love life of Emperor Qianlong from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) has been a subject of discussion on China's social media recently thanks to two TV series－The Story of Yanxi Palace and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace take the baton.Emperor Qianlong, who died aged of 87, was also one of the longest-living monarchs in China.His good health is attributed to his good habits, according to Hu Xiaofei, a professor at Beijing Sport University.Speaking about the emperor's habits, Hu says: "He had a list of 10 things to do often and four things not to do."The 10 things to do involved 10 parts of body－the teeth, throat, ear, nose, eyes, face, feet, stomach, legs and arms, and hips.And among the four not-to-do things were no talking while eating and resting and not drinking too much."One of his 10 things to do involved rubbing the face, which is a good practice in the autumn," says Hu.The nose and ear massage with warmed hands is something we can learn from Emperor Qianlong, according to Hu Xiaofei, a professor at Beijing Sport University.[Photo provided to China Daily]"But you must warm…

The main ingredient in Stir-Fried Tofu Skin Rolls with Meat, tofu skin rolls (also known as bean skin or tofu sheets), might be unfamiliar to some. Don't mistake them for rotten bamboo or any strange ingredient. In fact, they are a common food item and can be considered a type of tofu sheet.Stir-Fried Tofu Skin Rolls with MeatIngredients200g tofu skin rolls, 150g pork, appropriate amount of scallions, ginger, cooking wine, soy sauce, sugar, oil, and salt.Method1. Soak the tofu skin rolls in water until softened, then cut into sections. Slice the pork and marinate it with cooking wine and soy sauce for 10 minutes.2. Cut the scallions and ginger into slices and set aside. Heat an appropriate amount of oil in a wok and stir-fry the scallions and ginger until fragrant.3. Add the pork and stir-fry until the color changes, then add the tofu skin rolls. Pour in an appropriate amount of soy sauce, add sugar and salt, and a little water.4. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle with scallion greens and serve.TipsSoak the tofu skin rolls in cold water until there is no hardness left.Home-Style Stir-Fried Tofu Skin Rolls with MeatIngredientsLean meat, tofu skin…

Basic Introduction to Rizhao Green TeaRizhao Green Tea is produced in Rizhao City, Shandong Province. Rizhao is recognized by world tea experts as one of the three major sea green tea cities (the other two being Boseong in South Korea and Shizuoka in Japan). In March 2006, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine approved geographical indication product protection for Rizhao Green Tea.Since the successful "South-to-North" tea transplant in 1966, Rizhao now has a tea garden area of 120,000 mu, producing 1,500 tons of tea annually, accounting for over 50% of Shandong Province's total production. It is the largest green tea production base in Shandong, with its output ranking first in the province for six consecutive years, earning it the title of "The Northern First Tea." Among them, 1,000 mu of organic tea in Jufeng Town, Lanshan District, has been certified by the European Union International Organic Food Development Center, obtaining a "passport" to the EU market. Nutritional ValueRizhao Green Tea has a unique aroma that effectively relieves fatigue of the central nervous system. Its saliva-inducing index is significantly higher than that of other beverages, providing excellent throat moisturizing effects; after drinking, you can read aloud or speak…

Basic Introduction to Linfen Navel OrangeLinfen Navel Orange, from Linfen County, Sichuan Province, is a product of China's Geographical Indication (agricultural product geographical indication). Linfen County is located in eastern Sichuan, and its unique topography of "three mountains and two valleys," distinct subtropical monsoon climate, and the nutrient-rich purple soil are conducive to the growth of navel oranges. The Linfen Navel Orange has a round shape with a thin skin, concentrated juice, and a sweet taste. At the Second China Agricultural Expo, the Newhall, Navellin, and Qingjia varieties submitted by Linfen County won gold awards, while Dashiandao and Bailiuxin won silver awards. Nutritional ValueThe navel orange is rich in various nutrients essential for human health. Testing shows that every 100ml of fresh orange juice contains: 207 joules of energy, 0.9g of protein, 0.2g of fat, 203.9mg of amino acids, 0.127mg of vitamin A, 0.08mg of vitamin B1, 0.03mg of vitamin B2, 60mg of vitamin C, and is also rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus, etc. Navel orange juice contains 11-15% soluble solids; each 100ml of juice contains 11.0-13.0g of sugar, 0.80-0.95g of citric acid, and 55-75mg of vitamin C. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins B1, B2, P, carotene, calcium, phosphorus,…

At Mount Hengshan, visitors can not only wander through beautiful landscape, but also roam through historical sites and experience the charm of ancient humanity.  Trees on the Zhurong Peak at Mount Hengshan Scenic Area are covered with snow on December 5, 2020. Mount Hengshan is often referred to as the Southern Mountain (Nan Yue) of the Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism in China. The Zhurong Peak is the tallest of its 72 peaks located in the Nanyue District of Hengyang City in Hunan Province. Its majestic landscape and diverse biodiversity have made it one of the first 5A national tourist attractions and a national nature reserve.Mount Hengshan boasts an array of natural beauty, and the scenery varies in each season throughout the year: unique flowers bloom in spring, seas of clouds roll through the sky in the summer, sunrises are especially stunning in autumn, and the white carpets of snowfall come in the winter.The core scenic area of Mount Hengshan has a forest coverage rate of over 91 percent. There are more than 600 families and 1,700 species of trees here, including more than 90 under state protection, such as the ginkgo tree and dawn redwood. The region is also home to rare…

Basic Introduction to Guangde Chestnuts Guangde Chestnuts are a specialty of Guangde County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province. Guangde Chestnuts are known for their "large size, fragrant flavor, and tender taste," making them widely popular. Guangde County has been honored with the title of "China's Chestnut Hometown" by the State Forestry Administration. Nutritional Value 1. The rich unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in chestnuts can help prevent hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, and other diseases. They are considered an anti-aging and longevity-promoting nutritious food and are often referred to as the "King of Dried Fruits." Alongside jujubes and persimmons, they are also known as "iron stalk crops" and "tree-grown grains." 2. Chestnuts contain riboflavin, which is beneficial for persistent oral ulcers in children and adults. 3. Chestnuts are a type of dried fruit with high carbohydrate content, providing the body with a considerable amount of energy and aiding in fat metabolism. They have the effects of invigorating qi and strengthening the spleen and stomach. 4. Chestnuts are rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy teeth, bones, blood vessels, and muscles. They can prevent and treat osteoporosis, weakness in the lower back and legs, joint pain, fatigue, and other…

Basic Introduction to Torrey Kaempferi from YushanTorrey Kaempferi, also known as "Yushan fruit," is noted by Li Shizhen in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" as having the best quality in Yushan County, Xinzhou, hence it's referred to as Yushan fruit. In recent years, Torrey Kaempferi has gained a reputation both domestically and internationally, winning awards such as the "China-Japan High-Quality Agricultural Products Defense Award" and the "Gold Medal at the National Famous, Special, and Excellent New Products Expo." Nutritional ValueThe kernels of Torrey Kaempferi contain four types of lipophilic alkaloids that have a significant inhibitory effect on lymphocytic leukemia and are beneficial for treating and preventing highly malignant lymphosarcoma. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Torrey Kaempferi can eliminate intestinal parasites, moisturize the lungs and intestines, and relieve coughing. It is suitable for various cases of constipation, hernia, hemorrhoids, indigestion, food accumulation, and coughing with phlegm. Torrey Kaempferi can be used to treat various intestinal parasitic diseases, such as roundworm, pinworm, and hookworm infections in children, demonstrating comparable anthelmintic properties to those of other traditional Chinese medicines. The high content of fatty acids and Vitamin E in Torrey Kaempferi helps moisturize the skin and delay aging. Eating Torrey Kaempferi benefits eye…

Basic Introduction to Junan Green Tea Junan Green Tea is a specialty product of Junan County, Shandong Province, and is a Chinese geographical indication agricultural product. The county is renowned as the "Green Tea Hometown." The products are divided into seven major series: "Great Silver Sword, Great White Spring Snail, Emerald Bud, Green Sword, Fur Peak, Pine Needle, Snow Lotus." Junan Green Tea has been recognized by the China National Tea Research Institute for its unique high-quality characteristics: "thick leaves, good for multiple infusions, strong aroma, rich flavor." In national, provincial, and municipal tea competitions, it has won 116 awards above the municipal level, including 20 at the national level and 50 at the provincial level. It has received accolades such as "China's Famous Product" and "The Most Trusted Shandong Product by Consumers," and the county has been named "China's Tea Hometown." Product Features The majority of tea plantations in Junan County are located in hilly areas in the east and south, with towns such as Zhoubian, Zhuanggang, Tuanlin, and Zhulu serving as primary bases for producing high-quality Shandong green tea and ecological garden zones. The tea produced here comes in various forms, such as bud-shaped, needle-shaped, flat-shaped, and bundled…

Basic Introduction to Kashgar Dried PlumsThe raw materials for Kashgar dried plums come from Kashi Jiasi County, the largest plum cultivation area in China. With long hours of sunshine and a dry climate, the plums grown here are rich in nutrients. Nutritional ValuePlums are rich in citric acid, malic acid, and succinic acid, which can help reduce blood pressure, induce sleep, and have a cooling and moisturizing effect. The bitter and sour taste of plums strengthens liver function and eliminates fatigue. As an alkaline food, plums can balance the pH of the blood, purify the blood, and promote the natural elimination of toxins, helping to detoxify food, water, and blood. Product FeaturesThe exterior is dark brown with plump and sweet fruits. They have been carefully selected multiple times ensuring cleanliness and uniformity of size. Strictly selected small-seeded plums with thick flesh.

A woman with irregular menstruation, weakness, and a soft voice came to my morning clinic. As soon as she entered the examination room, a strong scent filled the air, almost overwhelming. The patient had a fine, wiry pulse and a pale tongue with white coating. Upon questioning, I learned that she worked at a perfume counter. I advised her, “The first thing you need to do to improve your health is to use less or no fragrance.” Here’s why in more detail. Perfumes mainly consist of alcohol and fragrances, which can be divided into natural and synthetic fragrances based on their origin. Natural fragrances refer to the aromatic parts of plants or animals used directly or processed without changing their original components. Many natural fragrances found in nature also serve as aromatic traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). According to TCM, strongly fragrant substances should not be used by those with insufficient yin and blood. They can exacerbate heat and dryness in individuals with excessive heat and fluid loss, as noted by Ye Tianshi, who said, “In cases of dried-up blood and fluids, strong fragrances are strictly prohibited.” Additionally, those slightly deficient in vital energy should use them cautiously, and those with…

In the northeast, there are many foods that have become household names and gradually spread across the country, becoming known to more and more people, with increasing numbers learning to make them. Northeastern sweet garlic is one such example, and its preserving method has gone beyond the northeast; even in our remote area, we can find it.Preserving Method of Northeastern Sweet GarlicIngredients PreparationAn appropriate amount of fresh garlic with green sprouts, an appropriate amount of aged vinegar, an appropriate amount of white vinegar, 1 sealed jar.Method Steps1. Remove the outer layers of the garlic, trim off the old stems, air-dry, then place in a sealed jar;2. Pour in the aged vinegar, enough to nearly submerge the garlic;3. Add sugar, stir evenly, seal the lid, and after about 5 days, it will be ready to eat.TipsIf you don't have this type of garlic, you can use cloves of garlic as a substitute.Authentic Preserving Method of Northeastern Sweet GarlicIngredients Preparation100 fresh garlic bulbs, 60 grams of salt, 2 catties (Chinese unit of weight) of vinegar, 800 grams of sugar.Method Steps1. Trim the stems from the garlic, remove the old skin, wash and soak for one day;2. Drain the garlic, sprinkle with salt,…

Basic Introduction to Zoucheng Green TeaZoucheng Green Tea has a planting history of over 800 years and is known as the "Northernmost Tea of China." It is a specialty product of Zoucheng City, Shandong Province, and is protected under China's Geographical Indication. The protected geographical indication area covers the current administrative regions of Taolin Township, Huanghua Town, and Linjiazhen Town in Zoucheng City, Shandong Province.Zoucheng Green Tea is renowned for its "fresh green infusion, fresh and mellow taste, rich chestnut aroma that is refreshing, and thick leaves that are durable for multiple infusions." During the cultivation of Zoucheng Green Tea, strict control is maintained over pesticide residues and heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which have very low or even negligible leaching rates into the tea infusion, making the tea dregs edible. Fresh leaves of Zoucheng Green Tea can be used to stir-fry eggs, fry shrimp, make tea dumplings, and other culinary uses.In 2010, Zoucheng City established demonstration gardens covering over 1,730 hectares for organic, green, and pollution-free green tea production, with an annual output of over 1,400 tons. There were 136 tea research and standardized production enterprises. By 2017, the tea plantation area in Zoucheng City had reached 1,733…

Basic Introduction to Longlin ChestnutsLonglin County is located in Baise City, Guangxi, and is a mountainous county primarily engaged in chestnut production. The cultivation of chestnuts in Longlin County, Baise, has a long history and is renowned for its high quality and unique flavor.Longlin chestnuts are divided into oil chestnuts and hairy chestnuts. Oil chestnuts have an oval shape, are neatly arranged and full, with a purple-brown or reddish-brown skin that is thin, smooth, shiny, and has few fine hairs; the flesh is light yellow. Hairy chestnuts have a flattened oval shape, thin skin with fine hairs, a red-brown or brownish-red skin, and light yellow flesh.Longlin chestnuts are a highly nutritious food and are widely favored by consumers. Modern scientific research has discovered that the content of beta-carotene in chestnuts is four times that of peanuts, and the vitamin C content is 18 times that of peanuts. They have excellent anti-cancer, cholesterol-lowering, thrombus-preventing, and antiviral and antibacterial effects. Product Characteristics1. Sensory Features:① Oil chestnuts have an oval shape, are neatly arranged and full, with a purple-brown or reddish-brown skin that is thin, smooth, shiny, and has few fine hairs; the flesh is light yellow;② Hairy chestnuts have a flattened oval…

This issue features Associate Professor Yu Huiyong from the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, who shares what dietary restrictions to observe after contracting a respiratory illness in winter. After catching a respiratory disease in winter, patients often experience symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Besides prompt medical treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes certain dietary restrictions to avoid exacerbating the condition. According to Yu Huiyong, first and foremost, spicy foods should be avoided, including chili peppers, leeks, and raw garlic. These can intensify throat pain and worsen coughing. Secondly, greasy and heat-inducing foods like fried dough sticks, fried peanuts, and sunflower seeds should be avoided as they may exacerbate throat pain and coughing. Thirdly, cold and raw foods, such as cold drinks straight from the fridge, unboiled mineral water, and watermelon, should be avoided. When patients have a fever, their digestive functions are weakened, and consuming these cold, cooling foods may cause diarrhea and aggravate coughing. Additionally, beef, mutton, and seafood should be avoided. According to TCM, these are considered “trigger foods” that might worsen fevers and increase coughing and phlegm production. Regarding children infected with respiratory diseases,…

Perch is a freshwater fish that is rich in nutrients, particularly high in DHA, which is excellent for brain development, making it a rare brain-nourishing ingredient. The best way to cook perch while preserving its nutritional value is by steaming it. Whether you're looking to boost your brain power or simply enjoy a healthy meal, here's how to prepare home-style steamed perch.Home-Style Steamed Perch Recipe #1Ingredients:500 grams of perch, an appropriate amount of red and yellow peppers, salt to taste, monosodium glutamate to taste, 10 grams of scallion, 10 grams of ginger, 2 tablespoons of cooking wine, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, white pepper to taste, 50 milliliters of water, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of fish sauce for steaming.Steps:1. Clean the prepared perch thoroughly. Make a shallow cut along the spine to prevent the skin from breaking during steaming.2. Rub 2 tablespoons of cooking wine, a small amount of salt, and white pepper evenly over the fish and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.3. Finely slice the scallion and ginger, and cut the red and yellow peppers into strips.4. After marinating, stuff half of the scallion and ginger slices into the…

Basic Introduction to Guzhang Black Tea Black tea originated in China, and the earliest type of black tea was called Zhengshan Xiaozhong, which was created by the Jiang ancestors from Tongmu Village, Xingcun Town, Wuyishan City, during the mid-Ming Dynasty (around 1568). The Jiang family of Tongmu Village, Wuyishan City, is a tea-making dynasty that has been producing Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea for over 400 years. Black tea belongs to the fully fermented tea category and is made from the buds and leaves of tea plants through withering, rolling (or cutting), fermentation, and drying. It is named after the red color of its dried leaves and brewed tea. There are many types of black tea produced in various regions, with Keemun black tea being world-renowned. Congou black tea and Lapsang Souchong are fragrant everywhere, and the high-end Jin Junmei black tea marks a new stage in the development of black tea. Additionally, black teas from India and Sri Lanka, which were developed from Chinese cultivars, are also well-known. The Guzhang black tea, processed from the unique ecological tea leaves of the Guzhang area, stands out in the tea market with its distinctive production techniques, shape, color, lasting fragrance, and golden…

Basic Introduction to Yongan Golden Thread OrchidYongan Golden Thread Orchid, a specialty of Yongan City, Fujian Province, is the central production area for wild golden thread orchids in China. The city is known as the "Golden Thread Orchid Capital of China." The Yongan Golden Thread Orchid plants are small, with oval leaves that come to a point, and veins that are golden-yellow with a purplish-red hue. They have high levels of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and amino acids, and possess strong food, medicinal, and ornamental value. The products are sold in provinces such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, as well as in countries and regions like Japan and Hong Kong, with 90% of the products being exported, giving them a high market share. It is a protected product under China's Geographical Indication. Nutritional ValueThe taste is sweet and its nature is neutral. It has functions such as clearing heat and cooling the blood, dispelling wind and dampness, balancing yin and yang, nourishing the body and enhancing beauty, harmonizing qi and blood, and enters the kidney, heart, and lung meridians. It can comprehensively boost the human immune system and enhance the body's resistance to diseases. It is widely used in folk medicine and…

Basic Introduction to Zhangzhuang Oil ChestnutsZhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts are a specialty product of Zhangzhuang Town, Zoucheng City, Jining City, Shandong Province. They are one of the finest varieties of Chinese chestnuts, named for their thin, shiny skin and crisp, sweet taste. Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts are protected under the national agricultural product geographic indication mark. Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts are primarily distributed within the borders of Zhangzhuang Town and are produced in the original production area. The geographic coordinates are: 117°17'38''-117°22'28'' East Longitude, 35°21'30''-35°22'50'' North Latitude. The total production area is 200 hectares with an annual output of 0.6 million tons. The outer shell of the Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnut is oval-shaped, with medium density spines, a thin husk that splits in a cross shape. The fruit is medium-sized, with the largest weighing 19.2g and averaging 13.2g. Sensory characteristics: The fruit is high-oval shaped, with a purple-red skin that is richly lustrous, uniformly sized, and beautifully presented; the outer skin is easy to peel; the flesh is delicate, fragrant, sweet, and nutritious; physicochemical indicators: protein content in Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts ≥4.5%; moisture ≤48%; starch content ≥25%; calcium ≥18mg/100g, phosphorus ≥1.0×102mg/100g. The whole fruit of Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts is a treasure trove, as the…

Child cabbage, also known as club-shaped cabbage, child vegetable, or baby cabbage, is a new variety of mustard greens. It contains abundant dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and other trace elements, with effects such as diuresis and heat clearance, lowering qi to relieve food stagnation, and detoxification and swelling relief. There are many ways to prepare child cabbage, including stir-frying, serving cold, making soup, and pickling. Today, we will teach you several methods for pickling child cabbage.Method One for Pickling Child CabbageIngredients PreparationChild cabbage, table salt, monosodium glutamate, sesame oil, brown sugar.Method Steps1. Separate the child cabbage, remove the old skin, clean it thoroughly, slice thinly, and drain for later use.2. Add a small amount of water to the container, then add the table salt and dissolve it.3. Place the sliced child cabbage in the container and mix evenly. After pickling for some time, remove it.4. Drain off the liquid, add a little monosodium glutamate and sesame oil, mix well, and it's ready to eat.Method Two for Pickling Child CabbageIngredients PreparationChild cabbage, chili powder, Sichuan pepper powder, monosodium glutamate.Method Steps1. Clean the prepared child cabbage, separate it into pieces, and place them in a sealed container.2. Add table salt and mix…