Zhaobaidu Xiangchun (Chinese Toon)

Zhaobaidu Xiangchun

Zhaobaidu Xiangchun is a product certified with a Geographical Indication for Agricultural Products.

　　Zhaobaidu Xiangchun: The cultivation of Zhaobaidu Xiangchun boasts a long history, with documented records going back over 400 years. In the 24th year of the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing reign (1545), the great dramatist Li Kaixian visited Longzang Cave on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, accompanied by his friend Yang Shangqing and more than ten others. He left behind the poetic line “Water flows cold from the stone’s edge; fragrance drifts from the blossoms with the wind…”, indicating that Xiangchun trees were already widely planted in and around the scenic area at that time. Zhaobaidu Xiangchun is a renowned agricultural product from Zhangqiu City. It originates from Zhaobaidu (originally named Longzang Cave), one of the famous “Eight Scenic Spots of Zhangqiu” known as “Dragon Cave Breezes Remain Pure Daily,” located in the southern part of Zhangqiu City. Zhaobaidu “Red Sprout Xiangchun” is celebrated for its vibrant color, rich aroma, high nutritional value, excellent quality, and delicious taste, and is regarded as a premium product.

　　The “Zhaobaidu” brand organic Xiangchun is produced and managed by the Zhaobaidu Xiangchun Professional Cooperative. Established in 2007, the cooperative relies on ten thousand mu (approximately 667 hectares) of high-quality Xiangchun in the mountainous southern region of Guanzhuang Township, Zhangqiu City, and has pursued a path of industrial cooperation. The Xiangchun and Chinese prickly ash it produces have been certified as green organic foods by China Green Food Development Center. The organic Xiangchun grows in the picturesque Zhaobaidu-Tiancangling Scenic Area. Its red sprouts blaze like sacred fire, green sprouts shine like jade, and yellow sprouts gleam golden, filling the air with a fragrant essence that seems to penetrate the marrow. The environment shapes the quality—the Zhaobaidu organic Xiangchun not only tastes excellent but also offers health benefits such as clearing heat and detoxifying, invigorating the spleen and regulating qi, nourishing the skin, and improving vision. Its seed husks, known as Xianglingzi, are an excellent choice for treating diabetes. The organically produced, traditionally processed Xiangchun oil serves as a premium condiment and is rich in various minerals beneficial to human health.

　　Zhaobaidu Xiangchun

　　Geographical Scope

　　The protected geographical area for Zhaobaidu Xiangchun covers four townships in Zhangqiu City, Shandong Province: Guanzhuang, Wenzu, Duozhuang, and Caofan. The geographical coordinates are: longitude 117°18′20″–117°44′9″, latitude 36°26′17″–36°41′43″, with an altitude ranging from 118 meters to 924 meters. The area stretches 29 km from north to south and 27 km from east to west, covering a protected region of 55,619 hectares, with a production area of 2,400 hectares and an annual output of over 70,000 tons. It mainly involves 182 administrative villages including Zhaobaidu, Dongbajing, Xibajing, Shangbaiqiu, and Xiabaiqiu in Guanzhuang Township.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: Zhaobaidu Xiangchun shoots are plump and tender, with bright reddish leaves, glossy appearance, and a rich aroma. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Zhaobaidu Xiangchun is highly nutritious. Its internal quality indicators include: protein ≥4.0%, crude fiber ≤1.9%, calcium ≥130 (mg/100g), phosphorus ≥80 (mg/100g), iron ≥35 (mg/100g). Additionally, it contains volatile aromatic organic compounds such as toonin, as well as vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotene. (3) Safety Requirements: The production environment of Zhaobaidu Xiangchun must comply with the requirements of the “Technical Specifications for Non-polluted Vegetable Production Areas” (NY5010-2002). Xiangchun entering the market must meet the quality standards of the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Non-polluted Perennial Vegetables” (NY5230-2005). Products that fall under the circumstances specified in Article 33 of the “Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law” may not be sold on the market.