Wangdu Chili

Wangdu Chili

Wangdu Chili is a geographically indicated protected product.

　　Produced in Wangdu, Hebei.

　　The cultivation of chili in Wangdu began during the Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that during the Hongwu era (1368–1398 AD) of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang appointed his fourth son, Zhu Di, as the Prince of Yan and sent him to lead troops on a northern campaign. The Prince swept through the north, vying for control of the Central Plains. Afterward, he left behind a scorched land. To replenish the population and restore production, the rulers relocated a group of people from [a county]. They brought their families, livestock, farming tools, and also chili seeds. Since then, chilies from Shanxi have taken root and thrived in Wangdu, gradually developing the unique flavor of Wangdu Chili.

　　Wangdu chilies are known for their high yield, bright red color, thick flesh, rich flavor, and long shelf life. Chilies are highly nutritious and can be called the “crown of vegetables.” Analysis shows that they contain vitamin B, C, protein, carotene, iron, phosphorus, calcium, as well as sugars. Each kilogram of chili contains 1050 mg of vitamin C—35 times more than eggplant, nine times more than tomatoes, three times more than Chinese cabbage, and twice as much as white radish. Benefits: Regular consumption in small amounts can greatly aid in stimulating appetite and maintaining health. It promotes saliva secretion and amylase activity, and also has antibacterial properties.

　　Wangdu is located in the central-western part of Hebei Province, covering an area of 374 square kilometers. It governs six townships and two towns, with a total population of 260,000, and 340,000 mu of arable land, making it a typical plain agricultural county. Wangdu has a solid agricultural foundation and is a key chili distribution hub in North China, earning the reputation as one of the country’s “Three Major Chili Capitals.” In recent years, the county’s Party committee and government have actively built the regional brand of a “Green Eco-County,” focusing on developing two major industries: “one red and one white.” The “red” refers to the chili industry, aiming to promote the “China Chili Capital” label. To maintain the vitality of the chili industry, Wangdu County has intensified the introduction and promotion of new varieties and technologies, continuously enriching chili varieties and improving quality to drive the development of the chili processing industry and elevate the sector. Currently, the county has 32,000 mu of chili planting area, and newly developed or introduced varieties include “Nonglei 23” and “Ladouhong 9” (among others), showing promising benefits.

　　Wangdu chilies are known for their high yield, bright red color, thick flesh, rich flavor, and long shelf life. Chilies are highly nutritious and can be called the “crown of vegetables.” Analysis shows that they contain vitamin B, C, protein, carotene, iron, phosphorus, calcium, as well as sugars. Each kilogram of chili contains 1050 mg of vitamin C—35 times more than eggplant, nine times more than tomatoes, three times more than Chinese cabbage, and twice as much as white radish. Benefits: Regular consumption in small amounts can greatly aid in stimulating appetite and maintaining health. It promotes saliva secretion and amylase activity, and also has antibacterial properties.

　　The county also focuses on deep processing and regards enhancing enterprises’ independent innovation capabilities as a fundamental means to extend the chili industry chain and expand its scale. This approach advances the upgrading of the chili processing industry, establishing it as a leading industry for the county’s economy. Currently, Wangdu County has over 120 chili processing enterprises that have developed more than 80 types of chili products across eight major series, including chili oil, chili sauce, chili powder, dried chili, and chili rings. The region has also cultivated several well-known provincial and municipal brands such as “Yangjiao,” “He Lao Han,” and “Lao Men.” The added value of these products increases year by year, and they are not only popular throughout the country but also exported to Europe, America, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

　　In accordance with the “Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products,” the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine organized experts to review the application for the protection of Wangdu Chili as a geographical indication product. Upon passing the review, Wangdu Chili was approved as a geographically indicated protected product, with protection taking effect immediately.