Caidian Lotus Root

Caidian Lotus Root

Caidian lotus root is a protected geographical indication product.

Caidian lotus root is a certified geographical indication trademark.

　　Caidian lotus root, a specialty of Caidian District in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, boasts unique qualities. Not only does it feature long, plump roots with fine, tender, white flesh and long, silky fibers, but it also has a sweet flavor, crisp texture with minimal residue, and is highly nutritious—suitable both as food and medicine.

　　　The town of Caidian was established during the Jin Dynasty, surrounded by Lotus Lake, whose waters are clear and whose mud is richly fertile. Due to multiple course changes of the Han River, flooding, and the deposition of minerals, the area provided the ideal conditions for the growth of Caidian lotus root.

　　 Caidian has a long history of cultivating lotus root. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, cultivated lotus root was introduced and began to be grown artificially in Caidian. The combination of superior varieties and fertile soil led to increasingly high-quality produce. By the Song Dynasty, it had gained fame in the capital, with Caidian’s Lotus Lake lotus root being sent as an annual tribute to the imperial court. It was transported to the capital regularly by both land and water during summer and winter. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, large-scale cultivation was already underway. The Qing Dynasty poet Qiao Dahong wrote in his poem “Evening Crossing at South Lake”: “Ten miles of mint, blurring South Lake from view; where lie the homes? I pause my oar to ask the fisherman.”

　　　　In accordance with the “Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products,” China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine reviewed the application for the protection of Caidian lotus root as a geographical indication product. Upon approval, protection was granted starting March 5, 2007 (Announcement No. 43, 2007).

　　Protection Scope

　　　　The protection scope of Caidian lotus root as a geographical indication product is based on the area proposed in the “Letter on Defining the Protection Scope of Caidian Lotus Root as a Geographical Indication Product” (Cai Zheng Han [2006] No. 21) issued by the People’s Government of Caidian District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, covering the entire administrative region of Caidian District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province.