Gusi Lang Carrots

Gusi Lang Carrots

Gusi Lang Carrots are a product with geographical indication status.

　　“Gusi Lang Carrots” have been awarded the National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Protection.

　　In fact, as early as the Kangxi era, Gusi Lang Carrots were already a well-known tribute product. In the 13th year of Kangxi’s reign (1674), Emperor Kangxi ordered his army to march south to suppress the “Three Feudatories.” Along the way, they set up camp in Nanyue County. During their stay, the generals who ate the local Gusi Lang Carrots praised them highly, complimenting their crispy, sweet taste and appetizing, refreshing flavor. Upon returning to the capital, the general recommended them to Emperor Kangxi, and from then on, Gusi Lang Carrots were offered as a famous local specialty to the imperial court every year, becoming one of the indispensable delicacies in the palace. In 1955, over 3,000 acres of Gusi Lang Carrots were planted in Nanyue, and the dried and shredded carrots were all purchased by the state for export to support Korea. During China’s three-year natural disaster period (1959–1961), our Gusi Lang Carrots helped feed and sustain people across all towns and villages in the county. As early as the Ming Dynasty, Gusi Lang Carrots were introduced to other provinces and cities, helping to solve food scarcity issues for local residents. In the 21st year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty, the renowned and upright official Wei Yunzhen served as the governor of Shanxi. Learning that some areas in Shanxi suffered from poor transportation, ignorant populace, and extreme hardship, Wei Yunzhen traveled there with his wife, Lady Zhao. Upon arrival, Lady Zhao gave red carrot seeds brought from her hometown in Nanyue to local farmers for widespread cultivation. The next year, the harvest was abundant—these carrots could both fill stomachs and improve health, and locals called them “red ginseng.” It is said that this was how carrots first came to the region. In recent years, thanks to the efforts of all members of the Lanting Agricultural Planting Cooperative in Nanyue County, the planting scale of Gusi Lang Carrots has gradually expanded. The Lanting Agricultural Planting Cooperative in Nanyue County takes it as its mission “to enhance agricultural efficiency, increase farmers’ income, improve social benefits, establish the reputation of Gusi Lang Carrots from Yuancun Town as a specialty product, implement geographical indication protection, create green food, and lead the development of a ten-thousand-acre carrot planting base,” forming a “cooperative + farmer + base” planting and business model. Through source control, the cooperative ensures the product quality of Gusi Lang Carrots and the economic returns of its members.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The geographic protection area for Gusi Lang Carrots in Nanyue County lies within the boundaries of Nanyue County. To the north is the Wei River, to the south is the boundary with Qingshi Gun in DaLiu Township of Qingfeng County, to the east is the border with Tiaotang and Shanyuanting in Jindegu Township. Ten adjacent villages are suitable for cultivation, and any land in Nanyue County with sandy loam or alluvial plains can be used to grow Gusi Lang Carrots. The total protected area spans 40 square kilometers, with geographical coordinates between 36°03′–36°04′ north latitude and 115°03′–115°06′ east longitude. The suitable planting area for Gusi Lang Carrots is 30,000 mu (in the sandy loam region of the old Yellow River course), with an annual yield of 4,500 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory Characteristics: Gusi Lang Carrots are large and bright red, typically weighing between 150–250 grams each, with some reaching up to 500 grams. They have small tops, are juicy, thin-skinned, and smooth. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Gusi Lang Carrots not only contain higher levels of the usual nutritional components found in carrots but also offer greater nutritional value compared to those from other regions. According to test results from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fruit and Seedling Quality Supervision and Inspection Center (Zhengzhou), Gusi Lang Carrots have a β-carotene content of 56–62 mg/kg; crude fiber content of 1–1.5%; and calcium content of 30–33 mg/100g. Testing results show that their carotene content is 10 percentage points higher, crude fiber 1 percentage point higher, and calcium 2 percentage points higher than average. 3. Safety Requirements: The production area must comply with the standards of the “Pollution-Free Food – Root Vegetable Growing Environment Conditions” (NY5082-2005). The production and management process strictly follows the “Pollution-Free Food Carrot Production Technical Regulations” for standardized cultivation. The use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs that are not legally registered or explicitly banned by the state is prohibited.