Livestock Chapter - A Dish, A Story

Author: Yiwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Once a tribute to the imperial court, now a delicacy for the people – Yellow Sparrow Vinegar (Origin: Henan Kaifeng, passed down for nearly a thousand years)
About "Yellow Sparrow Vinegar," many ancient books have detailed records, but the most credible account comes from Henan Kaifeng. It is said that during the reign of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, political corruption was rampant, with treacherous ministers holding power. Coupled with large-scale invasions by foreign tribes, the common people lived in constant fear. Wang Fu, the prefect of Kaifeng, was cunning and allied himself with the tyrannical Chancellor Cai Jing, quickly gaining favor and promotion. In the second year of the Xuanhe era, Cai Jing lost favor, and Wang Fu took his place. He immediately implemented many administrative measures completely different from those during Cai Jing's rule, temporarily easing public grievances and rapidly rising in popularity. However, as some praised Wang Fu as a "virtuous minister," he began to manipulate power, extorting the people's wealth for personal gain, profiting from public office. The emperor, being foolish, instead showered Wang Fu with even greater favor, sending him to negotiate with the Jin Dynasty, surrendering to secure temporary benefits. Wang Fu advised the emperor to spend a huge sum to reclaim a vacant Yanjing city from the Jin occupation, thereby earning praise and being promoted to Shao Fu. With immense power, Wang Fu lived extravagantly, indulging in rare delicacies, almost trying every delicacy in the world.
When he saw that a tribute of "Yellow Sparrow Vinegar" to Emperor Huizong pleased the dragon, he tried every means to obtain it after the court session and found it incredibly delicious. Later, some opportunistic individuals, while presenting "Yellow Sparrow Vinegar" to the emperor, also sent it to Chancellor Wang Fu, immediately seizing the opportunity for rapid advancement. Thus, they all imitated this practice. The stories of those using "Yellow Sparrow Vinegar" to buy official positions and wealth spread widely among the people, who cursed Chancellor Wang Fu without exception. In history, he was listed as one of the "Six Treacherous Ministers" of the Northern Song Dynasty who brought disaster to the country. It is said that "Yellow Sparrow Vinegar" became a fashionable gift in official circles. Later, due to the rapid reproduction of sparrows, the common people also widely consumed "Yellow Sparrow Vinegar." Various sparrow dishes, such as "Mantle Vinegar," "Fermented Sparrows," and "Fried Sparrows," also emerged and were passed down through the generations.
[Production Process] ——— Visual Impact → Select Main Ingredients → Select Substances → Method → Finished Product Features
[Main Ingredients] 20 plump and tender sparrows.
[Substances] 50 pounds of wine lees, 250 grams of sweet glutinous rice wine, 150 grams of red glutinous rice, an appropriate amount of Sichuan peppercorns, scallion and ginger juice, and refined salt, as well as 50 grams of orange peel fibers.
[Method] 1. After slaughtering the sparrows, pluck the feathers and remove the internal organs, cutting off the wingtips and feet. Rinse them with 1,000 grams of Shaoxing wine (strictly avoid water washing), then spread them out to dry off one-fifth of the moisture.
2. Mix the sweet glutinous rice wine, red glutinous rice, wine lees, Sichuan peppercorns, scallion and ginger juice, refined salt, and orange peel fibers into a paste. Then add the sparrows and mix well before placing them in a porcelain jar. Seal the jar and marinate for 6–7 days to infuse the flavors.
3. When ready to eat, remove the sparrows, rinse off the attached lees with Shaoxing wine, and let them dry. Then steam them in a steamer until fully cooked.
Longevity and Health, Even the Emperor Was a Filial Son — The Phoenix Amongst a Hundred Birds [Origin: Beijing, passed down for 300 years]
Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty often prided himself on being a filial son and promoted the governance of the empire through filial piety. It is said that during his reign, to celebrate the 60th birthday of his mother, Empress Nurgultu, and to win her favor while bridging the gap between them, he put great effort into building a special birthday gift for her.