Rare delicacies from all over the world are mouth-watering, and China is home to a number of unique and top-notch mountain delicacies, each of which contains a deep history and precious nutritional value. Let's explore these top treasures exclusive to China and appreciate their unique charm.
10th place: Iranian saffron.
Saffron, also known as saffron, is a rare plant from western Asia, mainly found in the Kashmir region of the Iranian plateau. This area of origin is blessed with abundant sunshine and a large temperature difference between day and night, which provides unique conditions for the growth of saffron.
Only about 400 kilograms of saffron are produced globally each year, 80% of which comes from Iran. In addition to its unique growing environment, saffron is also known for its vibrant colors and captivating fragrance. However, in China, only a small amount is cultivated in Chongming Island in Shanghai, and the yield and quality cannot be compared with that of Iran.
The price of saffron is generally as high as 100,000 yuan per kilogram, but consumers need to be wary of fakes in the market that pass off as imported saffron.
9th place: Malaysian blackthorn durian.
Durian is recognized as the king of tropical fruits, while blackthorn durian is its top variety and is known as the king of durian. Blackthorn durian is only found in northern Malaysia, with less than 150 acres planted and an annual production of less than 200 tonnes.
Its appearance is similar to that of ordinary durian, but the surface is covered with black thorns, hence the name. The flesh of the black thorn durian is dark yellow in color, soft and glutinous in taste, sweet and fragrant, and the aroma is rich and mouth-watering. However, due to the extremely limited production, the price is as high as 300 yuan catty, which is the top luxury item in durian.
8th place: French black truffle.
Black truffle is known as the "black diamond on the table of European aristocracy", along with caviar and French foie gras, and is one of the world's three major delicacies. Grows underground and is difficult to find, only hounds and sows can find. In European countries such as France, black truffles sell for thousands of euros per kilogram and are often used in high-end restaurants. It has a rich aroma and is often sliced and paired with other high-end ingredients to add a sense of luxury.
However, in places like Yunnan in China, ** is relatively cheap due to higher yields.
7th place: Indonesian civet cat poop coffee.
Civet poop coffee is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, originating from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is excreted by civet cats after digesting coffee beans, and is collected and processed.
Musk cats live in tropical rainforest areas of Indonesia, where they are scarce in number and have a limited annual production. Therefore, civet cat poop coffee is sold for as much as 200 yuan cups, which is known as the ceiling in coffee.
Sixth place: Chinese matsutake mushroom.
Matsutake mushroom is known as "God-given mountain treasure", growing in the deep and dense forests of China's first and Yunnan and other places. The requirements for the growing environment are extremely high, and it cannot be cultivated artificially, and the annual yield is completely dependent on nature.
In Japan, matsutake mushrooms are revered as "divine mushrooms", and the price is as high as 10,000 yuan. In China, matsutake mushrooms are relatively inexpensive, but they are still regarded as one of the most prized ingredients.
Fifth place: Chinese wild ginseng.
Wild ginseng grows in the Changbai Mountains of China and is known as the "King of Herbs".
The growth cycle is long, distributed in the primeval dense forest, and it is difficult to collect. ** High price, even the auction price reached 2.6 million yuan. Due to its rarity, it has been included in the list of wild protected plants.
4th place: Seychelles Sea coconut.
The sea coconut is known as the national treasure of the Seychelles and one of the top ten mountain treasures in the world. The number is scarce and is spread over two small islands in the Seychelles. Due to their unique form and rarity in quantity, sea coconuts are sold for up to 20,000 yuan and are strictly forbidden to be exported.
3rd place: Italian Alba white truffle.
The Alba white truffle is known as the "white diamond" and originates from the Alba region of Italy. Difficult to find, expensive to sell, often used in high-end restaurants. It has a strong aroma and is often paired with other ingredients to add a sense of luxury.
Second place: Chinese Cordyceps.
Cordyceps sinensis grows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, and is known as the "soft ** among plants", with a high price of 300,000 kilograms. Due to its rarity, it has become a top luxury item exclusive to the wealthy.
First place: Chinese Mother Tree Da Hong Pao Tea.
The mother tree, Da Hong Pao, grows in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China, and is one of the world's top mountain treasures. The tree is over 350 years old and is listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. ** High, once set a sky-high price record of 10.4 million yuan at auction.
These top mountain treasures exclusive to China are not only treasures in the food world, but also precious heritage of Chinese culture. Let us cherish and protect these treasures of Chinese food culture and inherit them.