Shidian ham brings prosperity to villagers

Yang Wencan, a villager in southwest Yunnan’s Shidian county, has made rows of spring hams that give off aroma in the air. With their shape like pipas (Chinese lutes), the hams hang neatly on wooden racks.

"I cure more than 2,000 hams every year, from the beginning of winter to before the start of spring the following year. After the hams are air-dried, I’ll wholesale them to various merchants, with prices ranging from 23 to 28 yuan per 500 grams,” said Yang.

In the six years of operating ham business, Yang has adhered to traditional methods of curing hams. He explains that the people of Shidian prefer smoked and cured hams, with some hams even being smoked over a low flame. After 40 days, the surface of the hams becomes shiny and dark.

Yang is native to Changlangba village in Shidian county. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,300 meters, the village has a forest coverage of over 70%, with the humidity and temperature perfect for making hams.

"The traditional methods and unique climate make our hams here tasty and loved by diners. At present, seven major ham makers in our village are producing over 7,000 hams annually," said Yang Jiaji, another villager.

Source: Yunnan Net; trans-editing by Wang Yunya