Anlu preserved eggs

Preserved eggs have patterns on their surfaces that look like pine branches. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Preserved eggs are a unique Chinese food known for their distinctive flavor, smooth texture, rich aroma, and lingering aftertaste.

They are also called songhua egg (pine-patterned egg), as they have patterns on their surfaces that look like pine branches.

Shendan preserved eggs from Hubei Shendan Healthy Food Co in Anlu, a county-level city in Xiaogan, are a typical regional product. The company uses a lead-free process and food-grade coating materials, extending the shelf life of preserved eggs with runny yolks from over 20 days to more than 40 days.

Shendan preserved eggs have been recognized as an iconic traditional Chinese food, designated as a Hubei time-honored brand, and included in the first batch of the directory of Chinese agricultural heritage and product memories.