Pingding dried cucumber [Shanxi Pingding specialty]

What is flat cucumber jerky? Authentic Shanxi Pingding specialty: Pingding dried cucumber

Content summary:Do you want to know what Pingding dried cucumber is? This article is a detailed introduction toShanxi Pingding specialty - Pingding cucumber jerky. It was compiled and edited by the editorial team of China Specialty Network after reviewing and collecting relevant information on Pingding cucumber jerky. The full text takes about 9 minutes to read, mainly including the basic introduction of Pingding cucumber jerky and its nutritional value? What are the characteristics of Pingding dried cucumber products? How did the history of pacifying dried cucumbers come about? The production method and tasting method of flattened cucumber jerky

Basic introduction of Pingding cucumber jerky

Pingding cucumber jerky is mainly produced in Hougou and Hetou villages in Pingding County. It began production from 1368-1398 (during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty). It is favored by people for its crisp, refreshing, rich aroma, and convenient consumption. The Qing Dynasty designated it as a tribute item to the royal family and enjoyed the reputation of "dragon tendons"

The skin and flesh are all green and lovely, with a smooth and wrinkle free surface. When eaten, they are crisp and sweet, tough on the outside and crispy on the inside, with a fragrant and delicious taste. They are favored by people for their crispness, refreshing taste, rich aroma, and convenient consumption

In Pingding Guzhou, the villages of Hougou and Hetou at the foot of Guanshan Mountain in the west of Pingding Prefecture have the longest history, most exquisite craftsmanship, highest quality, and largest production and sales of "dried cucumber". According to the legend of the people of Hougou, the production technology of Pingding dried cucumber was created by the ancestors of Liu and Li families in Hougou Village. During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, the ancestors of the Liu and Li families migrated from Hongdong to Pingding Prefecture and chose Hougou Village as their long-term settlement. This land is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with dense trees and rivers flowing all year round. The climate in the area is pleasant and very suitable for cultivation and survival. They have been working hard on this land, reproducing for decades. In addition to cultivating food crops on the slopes, they also use abundant water resources to dig wells and develop vegetable gardens, planting cucumbers and other vegetables. At that time, there were no vegetables to eat in winter, so they dried the large field vegetables from summer and autumn and prepared them for winter consumption. After multiple experiments, we finally succeeded in producing dried cucumber using coal fire, namely the "Longjin" brand dried cucumber

The production method of flat cucumber jerky

There is a strict operating procedure in the production process of flat cucumber jerky, from on-site sampling to roasting on fire, with strict requirements and regulations in each link, and no carelessness is allowed

Baking

The main equipment used in the grilling process of cucumber jerky includes ovens, coal, grills, racks, scrapers, and knives

Strict operation is necessary during the processing of dried cucumber. When processing, first use a scraper to remove the outer skin of the cucumber, then divide it into four strips along the length, place it on a rack, and bake it in a furnace with a temperature of around 50 ℃. After a day and night of baking, when the dried cucumber on the rack is dehydrated and shrinks into fine strips, it becomes dried cucumber. After tying up the roasted dried cucumber, seal it in a large container and take it as you go. After being sealed in a plastic bag, it can be stored for a long time without changing its color and taste

Tasting and eating methods for flat cucumber jerky

When eating flat cucumber jerky, special attention is paid to soaking it in cold water for a certain period of time, then taking it out, rinsing it clean, controlling the water, cutting it into shredded vegetables, and soaking it with seasonings to make various flavors of side dishes such as fragrant, sweet, sour, spicy, etc. It has a special flavor of being tough on the outside and crispy on the inside. Using dried cucumber as a side dish with wine, the taste is crisp and unique