Zhoucun Chili Peppers

Zhoucun Chili Peppers

　　Zhoucun Town is located 13 kilometers southwest of Jizhou City in Hengshui and is the birthplace and central hub of chili pepper production in Jizhou. In 1998, it was named “China’s Hometown of Chili Peppers” by the National Ministry of Agriculture. The Jizhou small chilies produced in the town are renowned for their bright color, excellent shape, strong spiciness, and rich aroma. In 1997, the Tianying chili peppers were registered under the “Jizhou” brand trademark by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and were recognized as a “Quality Branded Product of Hebei Province.”

　　 The suitable climate, abundant water sources, and fertile land in Zhoucun Town provide ideal conditions for growing Jizhou small chilies. Since the cultivation of Tianying chili peppers began in 1988, the chili planting area has consistently remained above 30,000 mu, with stable yields of around 300 kilograms per mu. This has also driven chili cultivation in 11 other towns across the city, bringing the total planted area to 150,000 mu, with an annual output of 45 million kilograms and a production value of 360 million yuan. The planting region has now expanded to over 10 counties and cities in the neighboring areas of Xingtai, Shijiazhuang, Cangzhou, Langfang, and Shandong Province, covering a total area of 300,000 mu.

　　 The chili pepper wholesale market located in the town center covers an area of 205 mu and includes more than 500 shops. In 2004, it was designated as a “Fresh Agricultural Products Fixed Market” by the Ministry of Agriculture.