Both states, with mountains and fertile plains, were economically and culturally developed and had abundant aquatic products, grains and sea salt.

Confucius (who was born in the Lu state) was quoted in the Analects as saying, "One should not indulge overly in fine flour, or in kuai (a dish akin to carpaccio) that is sliced too thinly".

In addition to seafood, Shandong is unique for its use of maize, a local cash crop not widely cultivated in northern China.

Millet, wheat, oats and barley can be found in the local diet, often eaten as congee or milled and cooked into a variety of steamed and fried breads.

Potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, mushrooms, onions, garlic and eggplant are staple vegetables, with grassy greens, sea grasses and bell peppers also common.

The large, sweet cabbages grown in central Shandong are known for their delicate flavour and hardiness; a staple of the winter diet in much of the province, they appear in many dishes.

Hundreds of years of experience and unique local methods have led to the region's prominence in Chinese vinegar production.