Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum

Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum

Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum is a geographical indication protected product.

Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum is an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum is characterized by its "large, plump blossoms, snow-white petals, deep yellow stamens, clear golden-green infusion, fragrant aroma, and sweet, mellow taste." It serves as both a medicinal and edible herbal ingredient, known for its effects in dispelling wind, clearing heat, improving vision, and detoxifying. Its product quality has been repeatedly tested by research institutions such as the Hubei Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Control, with key indicators such as chlorogenic acid and total flavonoid content exceeding pharmacopoeia standards and far surpassing other varieties of chrysanthemums. In 2008, Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum was registered by the Ministry of Agriculture as one of the first 28 "geographical indication agricultural products" nationwide; in 2009, it was approved for certification trademark protection by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce; in 2010, its production area was awarded the title "Hometown of Health-Promoting Chrysanthemums in China" by the China Economic Forest Association; in 2013, it received the title "High-Quality Agricultural Product of Hubei Province." According to an evaluation by the "China Agricultural Product Public Brand Value Assessment Center" at Zhejiang University, the brand value of Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum reached 252 million yuan. Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum is primarily produced in mountainous towns in the northern part of the city, such as Futianhe and Huangtugang, with an annual chrysanthemum planting area of around 50,000 mu and a yield of about 5,000 tons. The average output value per mu of the base is around 8,000 yuan, with a net income of over 5,000 yuan, and per capita income from chrysanthemums alone increasing by more than 3,000 yuan. The city has developed 15 enterprises engaged in the processing and sales of Fubai Chrysanthemum. The Fubai Chrysanthemum industry has become a key specialty industry in the city and a new highlight for farmers' prosperity. Currently, the production from the Fubai Chrysanthemum region accounts for about one-third, and Macheng in Hubei, alongside Tongxiang in Zhejiang and Yancheng in Jiangsu, is recognized as one of China’s three major producers of medicinal and health-promoting white chrysanthemums. Macheng has become the largest chrysanthemum production base in the country.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Harvested from the capitula of the chrysanthemum plant Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. grown in the mountainous northern regions of Macheng, Hubei Province, centered around Futianhe Town, and processed locally using traditional or modern methods, Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum features "large, plump blossoms, snow-white petals, deep yellow stamens, clear golden-green infusion, fragrant aroma, and sweet, mellow taste," serving as both a medicinal and edible herbal ingredient.

　　Distinctive Qualities

　　The capitula are flattened spherical, irregularly spherical, or slightly flattened, mostly 1.5–4 cm in diameter. The involucre consists of 3–4 layers of bracts, with several layers of ligulate florets on the periphery, whitish or yellowish in color, and tubular florets in the center. The aroma is fragrant, and the taste is sweet with a slight bitterness. Those produced in Henan are called Huai Chrysanthemum, those in Anhui are called Chuzhou or Bozhou Chrysanthemum, those in Zhejiang are called Hangzhou Chrysanthemum, and those from Futianhe, Hubei, are called Fubai Chrysanthemum.

　　Cultural Stories

　　The chrysanthemum is one of China’s traditional top ten famous flowers and one of the “Four Gentlemen” among flowers. According to the “Macheng County Annals,” chrysanthemums have been cultivated since the Song Dynasty, initially mainly for ornamental purposes. The “Compendium of Materia Medica” records that chrysanthemums have effects in dispelling wind, clearing heat, improving vision, and detoxifying, earning them the title “broad-spectrum antibiotic” in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Wild Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum originally grew atop a unique peak in the Dabie Mountains. In the third year of the Zhi Dao era (997 AD) during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Song, Taoist priests from the renowned Chunyang Temple in Futianhe transplanted it around Chunyang Mountain. Because this type of chrysanthemum had a “pure, beautiful fragrance with an aura that wards off evil,” it was planted in front of and behind the courtyards of Taoist followers who visited the mountain and temple. Initially grown for ornamental purposes, it later came to be used for making tea and infusing wine. Gradually, its significant medicinal, dietary, and health benefits were discovered, leading to its use as a “culinary delicacy and premium beverage.” By the Ming and Qing dynasties, under the active advocacy of high-ranking officials and notable figures from Futianhe—such as Zheng Yiwei, Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion; Mei Guozhen, Governor of Shanxi; and Mei Zhihuan, an imperial censor—some local residents expanded chrysanthemum cultivation from their gardens to the fields. They developed a set of techniques and experience in cultivating, propagating, drying, and storing Fubai Chrysanthemum. From then on, Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum began to be offered as a precious tribute to higher authorities and was transported by savvy merchants to places like Jinling and Kaifeng for high-price sale. During the period of the Great Revolution, the Fourth Red Army was established in Macheng’s Futianhe and fought across Macheng, Hong’an, and Xin County. The people of Futianhe presented Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum to the Red Army soldiers. The soldiers used it to clean wounds when injured and to brew tea for drinking when thirsty, making it highly favored. In the winter of 1957, when [a high-ranking official]—then Vice Minister and Commander of the Nanjing Military Region—returned to his hometown, Xuwawa in Tianpu Township, Xin County, Henan (formerly part of Macheng, Hubei), and visited his grandmother’s home at Xianyangyan in Futianhe, Macheng, he praised the chrysanthemum tea there and instructed his guards to bring back a few kilograms to Nanjing for consumption. After the liberation, chrysanthemum cultivation became a shared consensus across the town. Through comprehensive policy and technical incentives, the Fubai Chrysanthemum industry was effectively advanced through several stages: the 1950s–70s saw small-scale planting as a medicinal herb introduced and promoted, mainly for folk ornamental and medicinal use; the 1970s–80s marked large-scale planting as a cash crop, beginning promotion as a local specialty and medicinal herb; the 1980s–90s involved scaled-up planting as a pillar industry for diversified operations and sideline production, with base construction and support; the early 1990s to 2000 focused on exploring and accumulating production techniques, promoting new technologies, and striving to improve yield and quality; and after 2000, standardized production was implemented, emphasizing intellectual property protection and brand development through specialized research projects.

　　Geographical Scope

　　The Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum production area is located in the mountainous northern region of Macheng City, Hubei Province. Futianhe Town is the main production area, with scattered planting in Huangtugang, Chengmagan, Sanhekou, and Shunheji towns, totaling five towns. The production area covers 1,520.7 square kilometers with a total population of 291,000. It lies between 31°20′–31°40′N latitude and 114°45′–115°20′E longitude; bordering Xin County and Shangcheng County of Henan Province to the north, Hong’an County of Hubei Province to the west, downtown Macheng to the south, and Jinzhai County of Anhui Province to the east. The main production area maintains a stable chrysanthemum planting area of over 1,200 hectares annually, with a total yield of over 2,000 tons.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography: The Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum production area is the source of the Jushui River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, with good water quality and no industrial pollution. The soil features typical yellow-brown characteristics transitional between northern and southern regions, with deep layers and good moisture retention. The soil contains 1.5% organic matter, 82 ppm alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, 11.9 ppm available phosphorus, and 165 ppm available potassium; pH ranges between 6.0–7.5. The optimal planting zone for chrysanthemums is the mountainous valley area between 200m–800m above sea level. The production area is located on the sunny side of the Dabie Mountain range and its branches, sloping gradually from north to south. The basic terrain is described as “seven parts mountain, one part water, two parts field,” featuring wide valleys, expansive hills, and interlocking gullies, ridges, and fields, with slopes of 5–24 degrees and elevations from 100m–1,000m.

　　(2) Hydrology: The production area lies on the sunny side of the Dabie Mountain southern foothills, the watershed between the Yangtze and Huai rivers. The first-level tributary of the Yangtze, the Jushui River, flows through the entire region. There are 19 large, medium, and small (Type I) reservoirs, with an average annual surface runoff of 341 million m³. The area has abundant groundwater resources, with a total storage capacity of 194 million m³/year. The water is clear and pure, ideal for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use. No industrial or mining enterprises or “three wastes” pollution sources exist within the chrysanthemum planting zones.

　　(3) Climate: The Macheng northern region, where Fubai Chrysanthemum is produced, is a transitional zone from subtropical to temperate climate, characterized by a continental humid monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is 13–16°C, with annual sunshine hours ranging from 1,634–2,249 hours, annual precipitation between 1,112.2–1,688.7 mm, and a frost-free period of 237 days. With distinct seasons, moderate rainfall, and synchronized water, light, and heat conditions, it is highly suitable for chrysanthemum growth and development.

　　(4) Humanistic History: According to the “Macheng County Annals,” Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum, also known as Sweet Chrysanthemum due to its pleasant taste, has been cultivated since the Northern Song Dynasty. From ornamental use to introduction, from introduction to field transplantation, and eventually to large-scale field cultivation, it boasts a thousand-year history. The Macheng Municipal Government has prioritized the Fubai Chrysanthemum industry as a key specialty agricultural sector, actively building an industry development platform and providing pre-production, mid-production, and post-production services to chrysanthemum growers, making it a true pillar industry for increasing farmers’ income. Over recent decades, the Macheng Municipal Government, Futianhe Town Government, and the Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum Industry Association have organized over ten specialized promotional events such as “Chrysanthemum Culture Festivals,” “Mid-Autumn Chrysanthemum Viewing,” and “Chrysanthemum Poetry Gatherings,” striving to build the “Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum” brand.

　　Production Technical Requirements

　　(1) Origin Environment and Specific Indicator Requirements: The origin environment must comply with the second-level or higher standards of the NY5116-2002 “Environmental Quality Standards for Pollution-Free Agricultural Product Bases” and NY5120-2002 “Environmental Conditions for Drinking Chrysanthemum Production Bases” issued by the Ministry of Agriculture. Pollution sources (wastewater, waste gas, heavy metals, waste organisms, etc.) within 3 km of the origin and surrounding areas must be eliminated. The base should be selected from arable land with good soil fertility and water source conditions. Specific environmental indicators include 2,249 annual sunshine hours, 240 frost-free days, an average accumulated temperature ≥10°C of 5,100°C, an average elevation of 410m, with the optimal planting zone between 200m–800m, annual precipitation of 1,000–1,200 mm, parent material of gneiss, deep and loose soil layers, fertile and highly mature soil with broad suitability, and soil pH of 6.0–7.5. Air quality must meet GB3095-82 standards; soil quality must meet GB15618-1995 standards; irrigation water quality must meet GB5084-1992 standards.

　　(2) Variety Selection and Specific Requirements: Select superior varieties such as Red-Core Large White Chrysanthemum and Small White Chrysanthemum, which have been long cultivated and bred.

　　(3) Production Process Management: ① Mother Plant Management. During the flowering period, select robust, well-flowered, pest- and disease-free plants, mark them, cut stems after flowering, dig up root crowns, and transplant them into nursery land, covering with 10 cm of soil slag fertilizer or well-rotted manure for overwintering. ② Cutting Seedling Cultivation. In early April, use stem base tillers for seedling cultivation. Select sturdy, pest- and disease-free new shoots, retain the top leaf and 6–8 cm of stem, cut diagonally below the node, dip in rooting powder solution, mash slightly, air-dry briefly, and insert at 20 cm × 6 cm spacing. Keep the seedbed moist and fertile. Transplant seedlings to the field when they reach 20 cm in height. ③ Field Transplanting. In mid-to-late May, prepare fields into plots with 100–120 cm wide ridges and 20–25 cm deep furrows, apply base fertilizer, optionally cover with black plastic film, punch holes at 40 cm × 60 cm spacing on the ridges, transplant seedlings with soil, plant one per hole, and water to maintain moisture. ④ Topping and Soil Mounding. Topping is done in three phases: first in early June, second in mid-July, and third before the end of August. When new branches grow to 30–35 cm, press the lower part of the branches into the soil with earth. Soil mounding should not exceed the end of July. ⑤ Water and Fertilizer Management. During the plum rain season and heavy rains, ensure drainage by clearing ditches. Irrigate to combat drought during midsummer dry spells. Chrysanthemums require substantial water during the bud stage, so irrigate promptly. Field fertilization should prioritize base fertilizer supplemented by topdressing. Base fertilizer should consist of well-rotted farmyard manure, with the use of chrysanthemum-specific fertilizer encouraged. ⑥ Pest and Disease Control. Promote integrated pest management measures including seedling and fertilizer management, small-plot crop rotation, and biological control. Pesticide use must comply with GB4285 and GB/T8321.1–8321.7 standards. Highly toxic and high-residue pesticides are strictly prohibited, and pesticide safety intervals must be strictly observed.

　　(4) Product Harvesting and Post-Harvest Processing: ① Harvest Time. Chrysanthemum harvesting begins in late October and ends in early December, selecting rain-free days and harvesting after dew has dried. ② Harvest Standards. During early flowering, harvest selectively when the bud petals begin to emerge, are pale yellow and slightly curled, and the stamens are not yet exposed. Subsequent harvests (first, second, and third water flowers) are done when petals are pure white and straight, with 70–80% of the flower centers open. ③ Fresh Flower Grading. Fresh flowers should be sorted by grade during harvest, with no impurities, muddy, insect-damaged, or diseased flowers in any grade. ④ Processing. Harvested fresh flowers must not be compressed but spread out to dry in the shade before processing. Traditional processing involves steaming, fixing, and sun-drying to form flat chrysanthemum cakes; modern processing uses steam or microwave fixation and baking to produce bud-shaped dried flowers. Product processing follows the “Drinking Chrysanthemum” (NY/T5121-2002) standard.

　　(5) Production Record Requirements: Throughout the Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum production process, detailed product records must be maintained by chrysanthemum growers and processing enterprises. Production logs should be established by variety, recording major climatic factors, phenological phases, farming practices, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs, as well as the names of harvesting bases and processing dates, and product labels must be created.

　　Typical Quality Characteristics and Product Quality Safety Standards

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum features large, plump blossoms, snow-white petals, deep yellow stamens, clear golden-green infusion, fragrant aroma, and sweet, mellow taste. Individual flowers are 2–5 cm in size, with petals approximately 22–25 mm long and 5–7 mm wide. It has high total flavonoid and chlorogenic acid content, serving as both a medicinal and edible herbal ingredient.

　　(2) Internal Quality Quantitative Indicators: Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum has a total flavonoid content of 6.1–8.2% and chlorogenic acid content of 0.18–0.35%.

　　(3) Product Quality Standards and Safety Requirements: Macheng Fubai Chrysanthemum complies with the “Pollution-Free Food Drinking Chrysanthemum” (NY5119-2002) standard and the Hubei Provincial Local Standard “Fubai Chrysanthemum” (DB42/334-2005), issued by the Hubei Provincial Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision on December 30, 2005.

　　Packaging labeling and related regulations

　　(1) Grading: Chrysanthemum products are classified into four quality grades based on sensory indicators: premium, first-grade, second-grade, and off-grade. All grades must be free from stems, leaves, impurities, insect damage, or mold.

　　(2) Packaging: Packaging materials (including both inner and outer packaging) must comply with national food hygiene standards.

　　(3) Labeling: Users of the label shall uniformly apply the agricultural product geographical indication (a combined marking format of the Macheng Fubaiju name and the public identification pattern) on their products or packaging.

　　(4) Transportation and storage: The transportation and storage of Macheng Fubaiju products shall follow the Hubei Provincial Local Standard "Fubaiju" (DB42/334-2005).