Chuzhou Tribute Chrysanthemum

Chuzhou Tribute Chrysanthemum

Chuzhou Tribute Chrysanthemum is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Geographical Range

　　　　　Historically, Chuzhou chrysanthemums were mainly grown in the northwestern mountainous areas of Chuzhou, including Shiji, Daliu, Chengjiao, Huashan, Zhulong, Zhangguang, as well as Sanhe, Shizi, and Tandun in Quanjiao.

　　Specific Qualities

　　　　　　Chuzhou chrysanthemum contains effective components such as flavonoids, volatile oils, amino acids, and trace elements. The variety of volatile oil components in Chuzhou chrysanthemum is higher than in other types of chrysanthemums; it is rich in eight essential amino acids required by the human body, including methionine, glutamic acid, and lysine. It also contains ten kinds of natural trace elements, which help supplement deficiencies in the human body. Among these, zinc and selenium are easily absorbed and can promote cell division, delay aging of the body, and thereby provide anti-aging and health-promoting benefits.

　　Cultural Anecdotes

　　　　During the Republic of China period, although several growers and merchants such as Wang Yihé, Ma Qìngfēng, Lù Shòujì, and Guō Zhìhé cultivated and sold Chuzhou chrysanthemums, the market was often marked by disorderly competition, chaotic market order, and little protection for the interests of chrysanthemum farmers. As a result, both the yield and quality of Chuzhou chrysanthemums were unstable. Especially during the eight years of Japanese occupation, production of Chuzhou chrysanthemums almost disappeared. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chuzhou chrysanthemums were incorporated into the national plan for the management and production of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In 1965, the former Chuxian County established a medicinal herbs school dedicated to the teaching and research of Chuzhou chrysanthemums and other Chinese herbal medicines. This gave Chuzhou chrysanthemums a new lease on life—their cultivation area expanded year by year, and production increased annually. By 1965, the planting area of Chuzhou chrysanthemums reached 15,000 mu, with a total output of 658 tons. The product was sold throughout the country and exported to more than ten regions and countries, including Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.