The flavor of Yunnan Danshan Clear Oil Hotpot Base is a refreshing spicy blend of freshness, aroma, numbingness, and spiciness, with distinct Yunnan characteristics.
The base is made with clear oil (mostly rapeseed oil) as its foundation. When heated, it releases an exceptionally bright aroma. Unlike the richness of butter, it exudes the freshness of vegetable oil instead. The spiciness comes directly but not harshly—it's a complex spicy flavor with spices like dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The spiciness is tinged with freshness, and the soup often incorporates the umami of mushrooms or bone broth, adding more layers to the spiciness.
The numbingness gently underlies the spiciness, never overwhelming but leaving a slight tingly sensation on the tongue. It blends perfectly with the fragrance of the clear oil and the spiciness of the chili peppers. Overall, it's spicy and satisfying without being greasy. The freshness of the clear oil makes it easier to highlight the natural umami of the ingredients. Whether blanching fresh meat, vegetables, or mushrooms, they all get coated with the soup's deliciousness, leaving a lingering aftertaste of spicy freshness with a hint of sweetness. This perfectly aligns with Yunnan people's pursuit of "fresh and refreshing" flavors.