The first of its kind in the country, the museum exhibits documents and material objects to show the history of vinegar production, distribution and related traditions from the province.

Shanxi now has more than 100 vinegar factories, which produce more than 200,000 tons of vinegar annually or over one-fifth of the national total. They have developed more than 50 kinds of vinegar products which adapt to the food habits of different places, such as elite vinegar and vinegar drinks.

Chencu, or mature vinegar, which has been used as a kind of flavoring for more than 1,000 years in China, is being used for other purposes by modern Chinese people, who are advocating a healthy lifestyle.

Chencu is a kind of liquid with a delicate fragrance and the same color of Coca Cola. Scientific research shows that the vinegar contains 18 amino acids such as enzyme and lactic acid, and 17 kinds of trace elements such as calcium, iron, zinc and manganese, needed by the human body. The content of the acetic acid in Chencu is the highest among all vinegar products.

(People's Daily 07/12/2001)