Henan agriculture welcomes a touch of refreshing sweetness in the winter. Recently, Henan's "prostrate spinach" quickly gained popularity through a short video that highlighted its exceptional sweetness, earning it the nickname "the Hermes of spinach". Within seconds, its tender and fresh appeal sparked a nationwide wave of interest and purchasing frenzy among netizens, leading to a tenfold surge in orders. It was also warmly promoted by a CCTV host, becoming a focal point in the agricultural product consumer market.

Behind this unexpected success lies the genuine embodiment of quality and uniqueness. "Prostrate spinach" belongs to the spreading-type variety, grown in open fields through the cold autumn and winter. Its longer growth cycle and exposure to harsh conditions result in thicker leaves after frost, where starch converts into glucose, creating a crisp, sweet, and non-astringent flavor. Although it has lower planting density, higher manual harvesting costs, and is limited by seasonal and crop rotation constraints—making its scale limited—its rarity further underscores its authenticity and value.

This event is not just the success of a single product but also a microcosm of Henan agriculture thriving with vitality in the new era. From field to table, from local specialty to nationwide sensation, Henan's agricultural products are breaking through regional labels with their high quality, building profound consumer trust. The combination of online dissemination and live-streaming sales has brought traditional farming methods into the spotlight, gaining recognition and ensuring tangible rewards for dedicated farmers.

Henan agriculture remains deeply rooted in the land while actively embracing new opportunities. This "breakout" reflects a commitment to quality, the preservation of tradition, and a keen responsiveness to market changes. The sweetness derived from the land not only delights palates but also conveys the dynamism and resilience of agricultural development—harvesting the gifts of the times through sincerity and innovation.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Zhang Rui