Changzhou dried turnip facts for kids

Changzhou dried turnip (Chinese: 常州萝卜干; pinyin: Chángzhōu luóbogān) is a special snack from Changzhou, a city in eastern China. It's a type of dried turnip that people have been making for nearly 1,000 years! This tasty treat is known for being both sweet and a little spicy. It also has a unique texture that's both crunchy and soft.

This famous pickled vegetable is made from a special kind of turnip grown in Xinzha, a part of Changzhou. These turnips are small and have a sweet flavor. When they are dried and prepared in a special way, they become red, smooth, and easy to chew without leaving anything behind. It's one of China's most popular traditional pickled vegetables.

A Look at Changzhou Dried Turnip

Changzhou dried turnip is a unique food with a long history. It's not just a snack; it's a part of the local culture in Changzhou.

What Makes It Special?

• Taste: It has a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. This makes it different from many other pickled foods.
• Texture: When you eat it, you'll notice it's both crisp and soft at the same time.
• Ingredients: It's made from a special type of small turnip. These turnips are grown in the local area of Xinzha.
• Preparation: The turnips go through a special drying and salting process. This method has been passed down for many generations.

How It's Eaten

People in Changzhou enjoy this dried turnip in many ways.

• It can be eaten as a simple snack on its own.
• It's often served as a side dish with meals.
• Sometimes, it's used as an ingredient in other dishes to add flavor.

History of Changzhou Dried Turnip

The story of Changzhou dried turnip goes back a very long time. For hundreds of years, families living near the canal in the Xinzha area of Changzhou grew turnips. They also learned how to salt and dry them to preserve them. This was a common practice in many homes.

Growing the Tradition

After the People's Republic of China was formed, the way this food was made changed. A company called the Sauce Production Company of Changzhou became the main place where Changzhou dried turnip was made. Their special brand was named Hongmei (红梅).

A Family's Secret Recipe

In 1978, a family named Cheng, who lived in Beigang, decided to continue their family's tradition. They opened the Changzhou Yudie Specialty Food Product Factory (常州玉蝶食品厂). Their main product was the dried turnip. The Cheng family had a secret recipe that had been passed down through five generations. Many people believe that the dried turnip made by this factory uses a more traditional method than other companies.

Changzhou Dried Turnip Today

Today, making Changzhou dried turnip is a mix of old traditions and new technology. Companies use scientific methods to manage the process. Machines help with many steps, from choosing the best turnips to salting them, adding flavors, making the final product, and packaging it.

A Local Treasure

Changzhou dried turnip has become a very famous local food. It's a specialty that visitors often look for. In 2008, the "Yudie" spicy dried turnip was recognized as an important part of Changzhou's cultural heritage. It was added to the Changzhou non-material cultural heritage list. This means it's seen as a valuable tradition that should be preserved.