The unique natural and geographical conditions make Ningxia have many unique agricultural and sideline products, among which the most important ones are Lycium barbarum, licorice, Helan stone, beach sheepskin and Nostoc flagelliforme, which are known as the "five treasures" of Ningxia.
"Hongbao" Lycium barbarum is a woody plant with bright red pulp, which looks like a spindle and more like a red agate pendant. It is a traditional brand-name export commodity in Ningxia and is famous at home and abroad for its thin skin, thick meat, few seeds and excellent quality. Historically, it was a royal tribute. Lycium barbarum L. is a valuable Chinese medicine, which is rich in nutrients and has high medicinal value. It not only contains iron, phosphorus, calcium and other substances, but also contains a lot of sugar, fat, protein, amino acids, polysaccharide pigments, vitamins, sterols, glycosides and so on. It has the functions of moistening lung, clearing liver, nourishing kidney, benefiting qi, promoting sperm production, supporting yang, expelling wind, improving eyesight and strengthening bones and muscles. Most of the people who are in the market now are dehydrated dried fruits, and there are three main uses: taking medicine, soaking in wine to make tea and cooking. Its series products include: dried and fresh Lycium barbarum, Lycium barbarum, chinese wolfberry wine, Lycium barbarum crystal sugar, fresh Lycium barbarum canned food, etc.
"Huangbao" licorice: Leguminosae, a perennial herb. Ningxia Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch is famous for its heavy bones, smooth strips, fresh mouth and fine processing. The export is called "Xizheng licorice" or "Xizheng grass". It has the functions of detoxicating, eliminating phlegm, relieving pain, relieving spasm, resisting cancer, etc., and has the effects of invigorating spleen and qi, nourishing yin and moistening lung, removing toxic substances urgently, and harmonizing hundreds of medicines.
"Sapphire" Helan Stone: It is produced on the cliff of Helan Mountain at an altitude of about 2,6 meters. The stone has a uniform structure, a delicate texture and a suitable rigidity and softness. The He Lanyan carved with it has the advantages of printing ink, storing ink, protecting hair and durability. Helan stone naturally forms deep purple and green colors, which reflect each other, with bright colors, purple background and green colors, and various forms are wonderful, as if the velvet is inlaid with all kinds of jadeite. In addition to two colors, three colors and colorful colors, there are special structures such as "stone eye", "jade belt", "silver line" and "moire", which are wonderful. Sculptors carve He Lanyan in a variety of ways by carefully using materials. In history, He Lanyan was once as famous as Duanyan and Sheyan, and it is known as "two rivers at one end and three Helan mountains at the other". It is not only a practical product of Four Treasures of the Study, but also a precious craft collection. In addition to carving inkstones, Helan stone is also used to carve seals, paperweights, pen holders, etc., all of which are elegant and valuable articles of study.
"Baibao" tan sheep skin: Ningxia Tan sheep belongs to tail fat and coarse wool type. Sheep breeds for fur are unique in the world fur. There are two hairs and sand hairs, and the hair colors are pure white, pure black, light brown and variegated, mostly pure white. Black leather, also called purple lamb skin, is expensive because of its scarcity. The white leather is white in color and shiny as jade. The leather board is as thin as thick paper, but it is tough, soft and even. The hair spike presents a unique wave bend, like a lake ripple, light and soft, beautiful and generous, and excellent thermal insulation. It is really a leader in all kinds of fur and has been a traditional brand-name export commodity for a long time. Beach wool fibers are slender and uniform, and the fluff is soft, fluffy and elastic. It is also a high-grade raw material for making blankets, shawls, scarves and other decorations. Jacquard blankets made in Ningxia are world-famous for their excellent quality and unique style.
"Heibao" Nostoc flagelliforme: In plant taxonomy, it belongs to the phylum Cyanophyta, a kind of Nostoc flagelliforme. It grows in desert and semi-desert areas, germinates when it rains and is harvested in late autumn and early spring. The production process is to pick the "Chinese cabbage" with impurities, remove impurities, wet, dry and package. Fresh Nostoc flagelliforme is blue-green or brown, black after air-drying, and its shape resembles that of oriental women's hair, hence its name. It is a high-grade food, together with sea cucumber, fish maw, bird's nest, squid, Hericium erinaceus, shark's fin and bear's paw, called "Delicious Eight Treasures", and it is an essential delicacy for a festive feast. Nostoc flagelliforme is rich in nutrition and easily absorbed by human body. Its protein content is 2 times that of eggs, and it contains more sugar, fat and calcium, and is richer in minerals such as phosphorus and iron. In medicine, it can help digestion, relieve fatigue, clear the stomach and intestines, lower blood pressure and other functions. After surgery, patients can eat Nostoc flagelliforme and promote wound healing.