Food Introduction of Fuyang Ecological Park

Soybean is a major crop in the city used for grain, oil and animal feed. The annual sown area stands at around 400,000 mu with a total output of over 30,000 tons, supplying more than 20,000 tons of high-quality commercial soybeans every year. With the development of rural economy, the city has promoted Hongyin No.1, a high-yield premium soybean variety, and built a 20,000-mu seed breeding base. It can provide over 1.5 million kilograms of first-class improved soybean seeds to outside regions annually.

A renowned specialty of Anhui Province, mainly cultivated in Luozhuang Township, Linquan County. Legend has it that persimmon cakes made from these persimmons were presented as imperial tributes to emperors in the Ming Dynasty and won royal praise, hence the name "Tribute Persimmons". The persimmon trees grow vigorously, resistant to cold, frost and plant diseases and pests with strong adaptability. They start bearing fruit 4 years after planting and enter full fruition in the 12th year. Each tree normally yields 500 kilograms of fresh persimmons, which can be processed into 175 kilograms of persimmon cakes. The round fruits are orange-yellow with thin skin lightly coated with natural white bloom. The sticky flesh tastes extremely sweet. A single fruit weighs an average of 155 grams, with large ones exceeding 200 grams. Tests show every 100 grams of pulp contains 14.7 grams of soluble sugar and 22.72 milligrams of vitamin C.

Records in Records of Yingzhou Prefecture state: "Cherries growing within two li along both banks of the Sha River are of the finest quality. In ancient times, preserved peach fruits were sent as tributes, and cherries from Fuyang and Taihe were presented to the court on a six-year rotation, rated top-grade tribute fruit." The fertile soil and mild climate along the Sha River in Fuyang produce abundant cherries, earning the area the title "Hometown of Cherries". Rulers in feudal dynasties regarded Fuyang cherries as rare treasures. An ancient poem reads: "As I compose verses, I see split cherries; wine cups pass, carrying the distant aroma of cardamom seeds." According to Tang Stories of Successful Candidates, newly passed jinshi scholars held the prestigious Cherry Banquet. In the 4th year of the Qianfu reign, Liu Qin, the second son of Prefect Liu, hosted such a grand feast for all court ministers after passing the imperial exam. The above poem was widely quoted at these gatherings.

One of Fuyang’s signature local products, also known as Giant Fuyang Steamed Bread or Roll Giant Bread, exclusive to Fuyang’s catering industry. Each loaf measures 1 to 1.5 chi long, 0.5 to 0.8 chi wide and 0.3 to 0.5 chi thick, weighing 2 to 6 jin, worthy of the title "King of Steamed Breads". Its production requires elaborate craftsmanship: fine wheat flour is kneaded hundreds of times before slow-steaming in an iron pot. The golden crispy crust is half an inch thick, wrapping layers of snow-white soft crumb. It delivers a fragrant, crisp and mellow taste—dry yet never parched, chewy yet fluffy. It can be stored for days without molding or hardening, an ideal staple for travel.

Jieshou yellow beef boasts an enticing rich aroma. Processed from premium beef cattle, it features bright red tender meat with superior texture. It is recognized worldwide as top-grade healthy meat and is well worth tasting by people of all ethnic groups nationwide.

Braised chicken is a traditional cooked poultry product in China. It has bright glossy skin, an alluring fragrance and a distinctive flavor. Easy to carry for travelers and field workers, it holds great market development potential.

Pancakes are a classic traditional Chinese food made by spreading blended grain batter over a hot griddle. Most are made from coarse cereals, while some use refined wheat flour. Finished pancakes contain little moisture with a leather-like texture; they can be thin or thick, easy to fold, chewy and highly filling. Usually round in shape with loose porous interiors.

Wonton wrappers are either squares with 6-centimeter sides or isosceles trapezoids with a 5-centimeter top edge and 7-centimeter bottom edge. Dumpling wrappers are circular with a 7-centimeter diameter. Wonton wrappers are thinner and turn translucent after boiling. Given this thickness difference, wontons cook faster in boiling water, whereas dumplings need three additions of cold water (the "three sink and three float" method) to cook thoroughly. Wontons rely on flavorful soup stock, while boiled dumplings are paired with dipping sauces.

When talking about Fuyang snacks, Tiansan Stuffed Flatbread is an unmissable famous local treat that has risen to popularity in recent years. Locals speak highly of it, and it is usually the first snack recommended to tourists visiting Fuyang. Four thin, soft round wrappers are stacked together. Savory braised fillings—bean sprouts, cucumber strips and gluten—are scooped from a steam hot pot and laid onto the wrappers before rolling them up. You may also add optional ingredients including eggs and sausages, plus condiments such as chili sauce and coriander, all wrapped inside to make a delicious Tiansan Stuffed Flatbread.

Beyond being a daily vegetable, Chinese cabbage also carries medicinal value. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that cabbage is sweet and mild in nature, capable of clearing internal heat, relieving restlessness, quenching thirst, promoting urination and unblocking intestines. Regular consumption prevents vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). Folk home remedies use dried cabbage roots simmered with brown sugar and ginger slices to treat colds. Another recipe calls for three cabbage roots and seven green onion roots boiled with brown sugar; drink the decoction hot and wrap yourself in a quilt to induce sweating for cold relief. Boil shredded cabbage into a thick soup and wash frostbite with it every night before bed for several consecutive days to ease symptoms. Cabbage seeds can relieve drunkenness: grind the seeds into powder and mix with well water for people who pass out from excessive alcohol intake.