Yiyang Dahegu

Yiyang Dahegu

Yiyang Dahegu is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Yiyang Dahegu, also known as "Magu," is a unique japonica rice variety native to southern China and the exclusive rice cultivar used for making New Year cakes in Yiyang County. The entire growth period of Yiyang Dahegu is about 150 days, with a plant height of 30 centimeters. The Dahemu rice processed from Yiyang Dahegu has an amylose content between 14-16%, which is stable and intermediate between that of indica rice and common japonica rice. It has medium gel consistency and an average refined protein content of 80%. Six key indicators—including length-width ratio, alkali spreading value, gel consistency, protein content, transparency, and amylose content—all meet the first-grade premium rice standards, while the polished rice rate and head rice rate meet the second-grade premium rice standards. This rice is suitable for making New Year cakes and eight-treasure rice. It is popular in Shanghai and Jiangsu, and is also exported to Japan, Europe, America, and other regions and countries.

　　Historical records indicate that people in Yiyang have been cultivating Yiyang Dahegu since the Tang Dynasty. Every year after the autumn harvest, to celebrate the harvest and pray for favorable weather in the coming year, households would steam Dahemu rice to make Yiyang New Year cakes. This tradition has lasted for over 1,000 years. The extant Tongzhi Edition (1871) of the Yiyang County Annals states: “Dahemu rice is white and long. When used to make New Year cakes, the white rice is firm and requires three steams and two hundred poundings to form cakes. Yishi rice absorbs more water, resulting in a soft and palatable texture. Locally, these are called Yiyang dumplings, which are highly famous outside the county, often gifted by scholars and merchants when traveling.” During the Ming and Qing dynasties, only high-ranking officials and the wealthy could enjoy Yiyang New Year cakes made from Yiyang Dahemu rice (commonly known as Yiyang rice cakes or Magu rice cakes), which were tribute items to the imperial court through successive dynasties. In 1998, the Yiyang County Party Committee and County Government established the strategic vision of “focusing agriculture on Dahegu” and began vigorously implementing the industrialization project of Dahegu.

　　Yiyang County is located in the northeastern part of Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, along the middle reaches of the Xin River. It borders Hengfeng County to the east, Guixi City to the west, Guixi City and Yanshan County to the south, and Wannian County, Leping City, and Dexing City to the north. The county administers 16 towns (farms). Its geographical coordinates are 117°13′27″–117°37′35″ east longitude and 28°03′55″–28°46′55″ north latitude. It spans 27 kilometers from east to west and 76 kilometers from north to south, covering a total land area of 1,592.5 square kilometers. The protected production area spans 3,000 hectares, with a total cultivation area of 2,000 hectares and an annual output of 15,750 metric tons.