Description
Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI is a fresh or dried yam of the Dioscorea batatas Decne tubers, belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family. Three cultivars are used: Bangyao, Ziyao and Xiaobaizui.
Production Area
The production area of Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI covers a total area of 345 km² in Li County, Province of Hebei, and includes townships and towns along the Zhulong River: Qudi, Liushi, Baoxu, Nanzhuang, Liwu, Guodan and Baichi.
Production Method
The Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI yams produced in Li County (Lixian), in the Province of Hebei, are planted by traditional cultivation techniques in a loose sandy loam fluvo-aquic soil (chao). Local producers use A-brackets, tripods and tetrapod supports to ensure that each yam obtains adequate light and heat during the growing period. For the dried yams, fresh tubers are selected, peeled and sliced manually or mechanically. The slices are then either air-dried or dehydrated in a dryer.
Appearance and Flavour
Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI has a characteristic cylindrical form. Of the fresh variety the Ziyao (50-80 cm) is the largest, followed by the Xiaobaizui (40-70 cm) and the Bangyao (35-60cm).The first has sparse fibrous roots and a dark-brown peel with purple speckles. The flesh is fibrous with a white transverse section and an abundant starch content; it is deliciously sweet after cooking. The second has thin fibrous roots, a thin hazel-coloured peel and soft floury flesh that is very sweet after cooking. Finally, the Bangyao variety has long, dense fibrous roots, a tawny-coloured peel and crisp white flesh. It has a thick mucus which is faintly sweet and mild although flavourful, and after cooking it has a tangy taste. Dried Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI on the other hand, is pale yellow and crunchy and can be found in strips (cylindrical) or chips (slices of 0,25-0,4 cm in thickness).
History
Lixian Ma Shan Yao has been cultivated in the geographical area of Li County for more than 2000 years and many legends, stories and poems have been told about this yam. For example, 'Merchant Fanli stayed at Liushi town and the beautiful woman Xishi tasted the yam'; 'A sickly and weak daughter of Mr Bai in Hu village, changed into a beautiful and healthy palace maid after eating the yam'; 'Emperor Qianlong passed by Li County on his way to the South and his liegeman, Mr Ji Xiaolan, wrote a well-known poem on the yam'.
Gastronomy
Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI should be kept in a cool dry place. The fresh variety is used in numerous recipes of the traditional cuisine, from soups to desserts, and it can also be used by the food industry as a substitute for potatoes. The dried variety is commonly used as a snack.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI: fresh in the Bangyao, Ziyao and Xiaobaizui varieties and dried in strips or chips. It is sold in plastic or cardboard boxes, sized according to the product's weight, that are dry and resistant, capable of providing adequate ventilation and free from polluting agents, odours, sharp objects, insects, mould, rot, etc.
Distinctive Features
Lixian Ma Shan Yao PGI is particularly well known for its mild but flavourful tangy taste.
