Changtai Amomum villosum

Changtai Amomum villosum

Changtai Amomum villosum is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Changtai Amomum villosum is a product certified under the Agricultural Geographical Indication scheme.

　　Changtai Amomum villosum

　　Amomum villosum is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the ginger family. Changtai Amomum villosum is a type of Yinchun Amomum, which has notable medicinal properties such as dispelling dampness and invigorating the appetite, warming the spleen, preventing vomiting, regulating qi and calming the fetus, as well as treating wheezing and coughs. The cultivation of Amomum villosum in Changtai has a history of more than 300 years. Local farmers have extensive experience in cultivating the plant, resulting in high yields and premium quality. The county has 3,000 acres of Amomum villosum cultivation area, accounting for one-third of the province’s total, with an annual output of 200,000–300,000 kilograms, making up about 70% of the province’s total production. It is one of the key counties for Amomum villosum production in China. Amomum villosum is an important raw material for various traditional Chinese patent medicines and also serves as a key ingredient in modern "nutritional foods" and "health foods" within the food industry. Products derived from Amomum villosum include a series of medications such as “Amomum Villosum Oil” and “Amomum-based Herbal Medicines,” as well as health foods like “Amomum Drinks” and “Amomum Biscuits.”

　　The cultivation of Changtai Amomum villosum has a long history. Both the "Changtai County Annals" from the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty contain records of Changtai Amomum villosum. Later, due to social unrest, the plant was left to grow wild. In 1959, the Fujian Medicinal Plant Survey Team discovered Amomum villosum resources in Changtai. Since then, artificial cultivation resumed, leading to significant development of Changtai Amomum villosum. In 1985, the county had a planting area of 2,400 acres, accounting for roughly one-third of the total Amomum villosum area in the region. That year, 13,485 kilograms of fresh fruit were harvested, representing around 70% of the province’s total Amomum villosum output. In May of that year, Changtai Amomum villosum was designated by the Zhangzhou Science and Technology Commission as one of the projects for comprehensive mountainous area development. New technologies were introduced in Amomum villosum cultivation, and scientific research efforts were organized to boost yield. In Sanniang Natural Village, Zhenshuzu Village, Chenzhenzu Town, 80 acres were cultivated, yielding 6,250 kilograms per year. To this day, some mountain villages in Changtai County continue to cultivate Amomum villosum. Aside from selling fresh and dried fruits, salt-preserved processing is also carried out for market supply.

　　Scientific measurements show that the fruit of Changtai Amomum villosum contains 3.2% oil, comparable to the renowned Yinchun Amomum villosum, and its medicinal efficacy is similar. Additionally, Changtai Amomum villosum features large fruit size, superior quality, high rates of natural pollination, and broad adaptability. As a result, it has become a renowned local specialty, with strong market demand.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic area for Changtai Amomum villosum is located in the eastern mountainous region of Changtai County, 14 kilometers from the county seat, 52 kilometers from the Xiamen port, and 30 kilometers from downtown Zhangzhou. The Xiamen-Chengdu Expressway and the Fu-Guang Expressway pass through the area, with interchanges providing convenient transport. The region boasts an outstanding ecological environment and unique terrain, which are particularly suitable for the growth of Amomum villosum. The main production areas include eight administrative villages: Xinwu, Wutian, Zudizhen, Meipeng in Chenchang Town, Gaoceng and Zhengda in Banli Township, as well as Shanzhong and Houfang in the Shanyangxi Ecotourism Area. The geographic coordinates fall between 117°38′ to 117°56′ east longitude and 24°39′ to 24°47′ north latitude. The total protected area is 1,300 hectares, with a current production area of 300 hectares and an annual output of 450 tons.