Xiaogan Glutinous Rice

Xiaogan Glutinous Rice

Xiaogan Glutinous Rice is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　According to the *Xiaogan Local Chronicles*, the cultivation of glutinous rice in Xiaogan is deeply connected to the virtue of filial piety. During the Yuanhe era of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, by the shores of Yezi Lake, 20 kilometers east of downtown Xiaogan, there lived a family surnamed Dong. Brothers Dong Liang and Dong Shan, in an effort to care for their sick mother and to bring variety to her life while fishing and gathering reeds, obtained seeds from other regions and began cultivating glutinous rice, which they then milled into rice for consumption. Later generations used the glutinous rice and sesame to make sesame candy, and through fermentation, produced rice wine. This gave rise to the “peerless” Xiaogan Sesame Candy and the “time-honored Chinese brand” Xiaogan Rice Wine. In November 1958, Chairman Mao Zedong visited Xiaogan and, after tasting the local rice wine, praised it as having “truly good flavor and delicious taste.” Xiaogan Glutinous Rice, through traditional craftsmanship, is used to make Xiaogan Sesame Candy and Rice Wine. As a form of food culture, it also embodies the essence of filial piety culture. For thousands of years, filial piety-centered culture has influenced generation after generation of dutiful children and virtuous descendants, and has also given rise to the world-renowned Eastern civilization.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Xiaogan Glutinous Rice is produced in six counties and districts under the jurisdiction of Xiaogan City, Hubei Province: Hanchuan, Yingcheng, Xiaonan, Yunmeng, Anlu, and Xiaochang. It comes from multiple townships including Liujia’ge, Xinyan, Tiandian, Yanghe, Zhuhu, Xiaxindian, Xundian, and Zougang. The geographical scope spans longitude 113°19’ to 114°06’ east and latitude 30°42’ to 31°29’ north. The total area covers 4,900 square kilometers, with 576,000 mu (approximately 38,400 hectares) dedicated to glutinous rice cultivation, yielding 326,764.8 metric tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Xiaogan Glutinous Rice is an early-to-mid season indica glutinous rice, grown in plain lake areas where temperatures and water temperatures are relatively low. During the grain-filling stage, the large diurnal temperature variation leads to greater nutrient accumulation. The thousand-grain weight is generally about 2 grams heavier than that of glutinous rice from other regions. The grains are large, flat and long, plump, with a length of about 7–8 mm, width of about 2.5–3 mm, and thickness of about 2 mm. The embryo notch is relatively deep, and the grains are wider than ordinary glutinous rice. The single-grain specific gravity is lighter, with a thousand-grain weight of 29 grams. The color is milky white and tender, resembling pearls, soft and appealing. The aroma is unique, with fresh rice fragrance and richly fragrant cooked rice. The taste is sweet and smooth, thick and velvety. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Xiaogan Glutinous Rice has a high content of amylopectin and is rich in plant protein, which helps replenish expended energy and maintain normal body temperature. Key rice quality metrics include gel consistency ≥95 mm, protein ≥6.4%, amylose (dry basis) ≤1.8%, and alkali spreading value of grade 6. Processing quality requirements for Xiaogan Glutinous Rice stipulate that raw rice should feel fine and soft when ground; it cooks easily and quickly—after soaking in cold water for just 3–5 minutes. When processed into candy, it becomes soft, sticky, and thoroughly infused. For brewing, fermentation is complete without layering or cracking, with clear separation between the wine and lees. Sugar content reaches 18%, with reducing sugar no less than 16%. When consumed cold, there are no hard grains or residue. 3. Safety Requirements: Xiaogan Glutinous Rice must comply with the standards set forth in *NY/T419-2007 Green Food Rice*. Throughout production and processing, strict adherence is required to *NY/T391-2000 Green Food Environmental Quality Standards*, *NY/T393-2000 Green Food Pesticide Use Guidelines*, *NY/T394-2000 Green Food Fertilizer Use Guidelines*, and *NY/T658-2002 Green Food Packaging General Guidelines*.