Songjiang Perch The perch from Songjiang County near Shanghai became popular throughout China as early as the Northern Wei and Eastern Jin periods. It has, therefore, a history of about 1,700 years. The flesh of the fish tastes best around the Winter Solstice. Among the noted perch dishes that have been acclaimed as the 'delicacies of southeast China', there are 'Perch with Chives', 'Perch Potage' and so on.
Longhua Honey Peach This peach is one of the best species found in China. It was originally produced only in the area around the Longhua Temple. Now the growing area has been expanded to Huajing region. There are two varieties of this peach: one is round and the other, flat. But both of them have thin skin, fine flesh, fragrant aroma and a sweet and juicy taste. The fruit is in season from July through August.
Chongming Crab and Dianshan Lake Crab These crabs breed in the sea but live in fresh water. Situated at the mouth of the Changjiang River, Chongming Island has numerous bays and its streams and creeks crisscross the island. These physical features provide favourable conditions for crab rearing. In fact, Chongming abounds in crabs and has won the name of the 'Island of Crabs'. Though weighing not more than three or four liang (150-200 grams) each, the crab is plump and tasty. The crab found in the Dianshan Lake in Qingpu County is characterized by its plumpness and bigness. Each can weigh as much as half a jin (250 grams). This regional crab can match the Dazha crab reared in the Yangcheng Lake in Changshu County of Jiangsu Province.
Sheshan Orchid Bamboo Shoots This kind of bamboo shoots grow on Sheshan Hill in Songjiang County. T he bamboo shoots are famous for their orchid-like fragrance. With a dish of cooked orchid bamboo shoots on the dinner table, the aroma sent out from the dish would greatly stimulate the appetite of the diners.
The Fermented Beancurd for the Capital The fermented Beancurd is a local product of Fenxian County on the outskirts of Shanghai city. It is characterized by its pleasant taste, moderate saltiness and delicate fragrance. More than a century ago, this variety of beancurd became well-known throughout the country, and began to be exported to Southeast Asia. Because of its extremely high quality, it was presented as a tribute to the palace in the capital, hence the name.
The Pear Treacle from the City God's Temple Honey-sweet in taste, this treacle has a history of some 1,300 years as the tradition says. A century ago, shops selling the pear treacle crowded in front of the City God Temple. There are two kinds of treacle: one is prepared for medicinal use, and the other candied and used as a sweet food. The former is effective in relieving coughs and asthma, and in promoting the secretion of saliva. It may also stimulate the appetite. The latter is assorted as to the ingredients used, which include melon seeds, pinenuts, ham, osmanthus, roses and so on. These products are on sale at the Yu Garden Bazaar.
Spiced Bean This is made of broad bean seasoned with fennel seeds, cinnamon, table salt, sugar, essence and cream. It tastes sweet and salty, and has a delicate and lasting flavour.
