Renzhao Onions

Renzhao Onions

Renzhao onions are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　According to the *Pingdu County Annals*, Renzhao onions have a history of over 100 years. At that time, the planting area was small, the bulbs were small, and yields were low. In 1990, Huangpi onions were introduced in Shabei Village, Renzhao Town. The annual planting area of Renzhao onions in the region exceeds 120,000 mu, with a total output of 750,000 tons and an annual total output value of over 500 million yuan. Renzhao onions are mainly of the yellow-skinned variety, characterized by round, well-shaped bulbs with smooth, light yellow outer skin, white scales, delicate and crisp flesh, and a sweet, pungent flavor. In 2009, the Guh River-brand onions from Renzhao passed the Ministry of Agriculture's pollution-free agricultural product certification; in 2012, Renzhao onions were registered under the Ministry of Agriculture's geographical indication protection system for agricultural products.

　　Renzhao Town plants 15,000 mu of onions annually, with the main cultivated varieties being Japanese Yellow and Korean Yellow onions. The annual output is 75,000 tons. The product features a round shape, large size, delicate texture, moderate spiciness, and long storage and transport life, making it suitable for fresh export.

　　Onions are highly nutritious, containing abundant protein, carbohydrates, minerals, dietary fiber, as well as various inorganic salts such as phosphorus, iron, and sulfur. According to food analysis by the Health Research Institute of the Ministry of Health, every 1,000 grams of onions contain 66 mg of vitamin C, 14.4 mg of iron, 320 mg of calcium, 400 mg of phosphorus, 14.4 mg of protein, 64 mg of carbohydrates, 320 mg of calcium, 312 calories, and 8.8 g of crude fiber. The onion bulb, lower leaf epidermis, and other tissues also contain an oily liquid called allicin [(C3H5)2S], known for its distinctive aroma and antibacterial, lactation-promoting, diuretic, constipation-relieving, blood pressure-lowering, and blood lipid-lowering properties. Experts have even ranked onions alongside green vegetables as health foods of the 21st century, making them one of the essential daily vegetables.

　　Onions have a fine texture, can be eaten raw or cooked, are high-yielding and good for storage, and have a long supply period. They play a significant role in regulating market demand and addressing supply shortages during off-seasons. Moreover, onions are an important raw material in the food industry and a major export vegetable commodity.

　　Product specifications: 50-100 | Brand: | Origin: Renzhao Town, Pingdu City, Qingdao | Product price: .6 | Usage: 517 | Quality standard: 100 | Net weight: 50-300 | Origin: Pingdu | Color: Yellow | Shelf life: 200 | Storage method: Cold storage | Variety: Yellow-skinned | Maturity: 0 | Shape: Round

　　Geographical Scope

　　The production area of Renzhao onions is located at the junction of Pingdu, Laixi, and Jimo cities, 70 km from Qingdao Port, 35 km from Qingdao International Airport, and only 20 km from the Jiaoji Railway. The Tongji Expressway and Qingxin Expressway run through the region with access ramps, ensuring developed transportation and convenient communication. According to the “Pingzheng Zi [2011] No. 27” directive issued by the People’s Government of Pingdu City, the geographical indication protection area for Renzhao onions includes seven towns and 346 administrative villages: Renzhao Town, Nancun Town, Yunshan Town, Guxian Town, Guozhuang Town, Zhanggemazhuang Town, and Malan Town. The onion planting area is approximately 120,000 mu, with an annual output of 750,000 tons. The geographical coordinates are between 36°28′46.9″N to 36°52′19.5″N and 120°01′36.5″E to 120°16′57.3″E, at an altitude of 26 m to 40 m.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External sensory characteristics: Renzhao onions have round, well-shaped bulbs with smooth, light yellow outer skin, white scales, delicate and crisp flesh, and a sweet, pungent flavor. 2. Internal quality indicators: Renzhao onions contain ≥0.8% protein, ≥15 mg calcium/100g, ≥85 mg potassium/100g, ≥8 mg magnesium/100g, and ≥8 mg vitamin C/100g. 3. Safety requirements: Renzhao onions strictly comply with the *NY5001-2007 Pollution-Free Food Allium Vegetables* standard. 4. Packaging: Packaging materials must meet national food packaging hygiene requirements as well as environmental protection standards. All onion packaging materials should be clean, hygienic, dry, non-toxic, odorless, and food-safe. All packaging must be sturdy and leak-proof. 5. Storage: Cold storage is the best method for storing onions. Onions should be stored before they break dormancy, stacked or basket-stacked, on shelves or in net bags, at around 0°C, allowing for long-term and effective preservation.