Sharing Shanxi with the World: A Millennium of Fragrant Vinegar, A Global Taste

山西老陈醋，承载着三千年的历史积淀与匠人智慧，不仅是中华饮食文化的瑰宝，更是非遗技艺与现代商业融合的典范。从黄土高原的作坊到全球36个国家的餐桌，山西老陈醋以“香、酸、绵、长”的独特风味征服世界，成为中国味道的亮丽名片。

Shanxi Aged Vinegar, a treasure of Chinese culinary culture, carries 3,000 years of history and artisan wisdom. It stands as a testament to the fusion of intangible cultural heritage and modern commerce. From workshops on the Loess Plateau to dining tables in 36 countries worldwide, its signature “fragrant, sour, mellow, and enduring” flavor has conquered global palates, becoming a vibrant ambassador of Chinese cuisine.

一、非遗技艺：千年工艺的传承与创新

I. Intangible Heritage: The Evolution of a Millennial Craft

山西老陈醋的酿造工艺始于西周，成熟于明清，其核心可概括为“蒸、酵、熏、淋、陈”五步古法。原料选用本地高粱、大麦、豌豆等，经82道工序、至少400天的陈酿，再通过“夏伏晒、冬捞冰”浓缩提纯，方得酸香醇厚、过夏不霉的独特品质。这一技艺于2006年被列入国家级非物质文化遗产名录，并在清徐县“中国醋都”的四大龙头企业（紫林、水塔、美锦、东湖）中得以活态传承。

The brewing techniques of Shanxi Aged Vinegar originated in the Western Zhou Dynasty and matured during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its core process revolves around five ancient steps: steaming, fermenting, smoking, leaching, and aging. Made from locally sourced sorghum, barley, and peas, the vinegar undergoes 82 meticulous steps and at least 400 days of aging. The final product is concentrated through a traditional “summer sun-drying and winter ice-removal” method, achieving its signature rich acidity and mold-resistant quality. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, the craft thrives today in Qingxu County—China’s “Vinegar Capital”—where four leading enterprises (Zilin, Shuita, Meijin, and Donghu) preserve its legacy.

二、征服国际市场的“晋味道”

II. Conquering Global Markets with “Shanxi Flavor”

山西老陈醋的出海之路并非一帆风顺。早年因酸度过高、微量沉淀等问题，难以适应海外消费者口味。近年来，通过“三同工程”（同线同标同质）与国际接轨，出口量实现跨越式增长。2024年，其出口额突破千万美元，远销美国、日本、韩国等20余国，并首次进入智利、蒙古等新兴市场。

The international journey of Shanxi Aged Vinegar faced early hurdles, including high acidity and minor sedimentation that clashed with foreign tastes. Through initiatives like the “Same Line, Same Standard, Same Quality” project, exports surged. In 2024, overseas sales surpassed $10 million, reaching over 20 countries, including the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, with breakthroughs in emerging markets like Chile and Mongolia.