Special Local Products of Yichun

Yichun’s specialties are predominantly wild mountain products, including ginseng, pilose antler, wild kiwi fruit, honey, pine nuts, hazelnuts, black fungus and wild hickory nuts. In addition, Yichun abounds in deer by-products and various wooden handicrafts, all of which are available for purchase at major shopping malls, pedestrian streets and farmers’ markets across the city. High-quality black fungus features tiny white specks on its surface, which are easy to spot with careful observation. If you rent a private car, you may ask the driver to help you buy genuine goods, as local residents are generally warm and helpful.

A precious medicinal herb of the Araliaceae family. Physicians of all dynasties regarded it as a supreme tonic that nourishes the heart, earning it the reputation of "divine vitality-replenishing herb". It nourishes the five zang-organs and six fu-organs, regulates nerves, stabilizes the spirit, relieves palpitations, dispels pathogenic factors, improves eyesight, lifts mood and boosts intelligence. Long-term consumption lightens the body and prolongs lifespan. It ranks among the "Three Treasures of Northeast China".

Pilose antler refers to the unossified horn sacks on male deer. It treats physical debility from overexertion and dim eyesight, as well as gynecological ailments such as uterine cold, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea. It is also one of the "Three Treasures of Northeast China".

Crystal white, pure in color and richly aromatic, linden honey boasts abundant nutrients. It contains over 70% glucose and fruit acids, plus multiple vitamins, mineral salts, organic acids and enzymes. Biotin within it stimulates human growth and vitality to improve physical health. More than a nutritionally complete food, it replenishes qi, nourishes the stomach, alleviates pain and detoxifies the body. It also relieves and eases hypertension, heart disease, constipation, insomnia and other illnesses.

Yichun is the hometown of Korean pine trees, and pine nuts, also known as sea pine nuts, are the fruit of this tree. Rich in fat, protein and carbohydrates, pine nuts serve as vital herbal medicine. Regular consumption nurtures the heart and mind, moisturizes the skin and extends life. They can be eaten raw, used as fillings for candies and pastries, or substituted for cooking oil.

Also called mountain pepper, northern schisandra is a deciduous woody vine. It is a vital traditional Chinese medicinal herb with effects of astringing the lungs, nourishing the kidneys, generating body fluid and arresting spontaneous sweating.

Black fungus thrives in Yichun and is exceptionally nutritious, containing far higher levels of protein and minerals than rice, wheat flour and vegetables. Its vitamin B2 content is 10 times that of rice, flour and Chinese cabbage, and 3 to 5 times higher than pork, mutton and beef; its ash content surpasses rice, flour, cabbage and meat by 4 to 5 times. The colloidal substance in black fungus has strong adsorption capacity, functioning to cleanse the lungs and digest cellulose.

Also known as filberts, hazelnuts are the seeds of hazel shrubs. Their kernels contain fat, starch and other carbohydrates. Hazelnuts also carry medicinal value. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that hazelnuts are sweet and neutral in nature, stimulating appetite, regulating the middle jiao and improving eyesight, and easing physical weakness and intestinal discomfort. They can be eaten raw or ground into hazelnut powder as a highly nutritious tonic.

Widely distributed wild berries across Yichun’s forested areas, wild grapes hold high economic value and a distinctive flavor. Loaded with sugar, organic acids, various amino acids and minerals, they are highly nutritious. Wine brewed from wild grapes stands out uniquely among all wine varieties.

Yichun is covered in dense forests, and locals gather wild hickory nuts in harvest season. Also called walnut or horse walnut, they are the seeds of manchurian walnut trees. The nut kernels contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene and riboflavin, alongside trace elements including zinc, manganese and chromium, as well as nicotinic acid. They can be eaten directly or pressed for edible oil. The oil is mostly composed of linoleic acid glycerides, lending a fresh, mild flavor without greasiness.