Jiuhuashan Scenic Area has added "Jiuhuashan Vegetarian Cuisine Craftsmanship" to its county-level intangible cultural heritage list, marking a milestone in preserving this centuries-old culinary tradition. Historically rooted in monastic vegetarian practices, Jiuhuashan's plant-based cuisine absorbed imperial culinary artistry during the Ming and Qing dynasties when the mountain served as a royal worship site. Over millennia, it evolved by incorporating local wild herbs, mountain delicacies, and regional produce – inspired by practices of eminent monks like Kim Gak-gam and Wuxia Chan Master who sustained themselves with huangjing(Solomon's seal) and foraged edibles.
This culinary philosophy champions ingredient purity and subtle flavor profiles, emphasizing original tastes through minimalist preparation. Masters demonstrate extraordinary ingenuity, transforming single ingredients into diverse dishes where "one melon yields dozens of delicacies, one vegetable creates myriad flavors." Contemporary Jiuhuashan vegetarianism prioritizes fresh, seasonal components and health-conscious techniques – strictly controlling sugar, salt, and oil while maximizing nutritional benefits. Core ingredients like Jiuhuashan-grown huangjingand lily bulbs leverage their medicinal properties, complemented by protein-rich wild mushrooms and amino acid-abundant mountain herbs that deliver both gourmet experiences and wellness benefits.
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