Tao Ling Three-Flavor Chili

Tao Ling Three-Flavor Chili

Tao Ling Three-Flavor Chili is a protected geographical indication product.

　　A type of chili produced in Tao Ling Township, Xintian County, Yongzhou, Hunan. It has thick flesh, is bright red and translucent, allowing the seeds inside to be seen from the outside. It boasts three distinct flavors—spicy, sweet, and aromatic—hence the name "Three-Flavor Chili."

　　　　This chili has been cultivated in the Tao Ling area for over 3,000 years and is exported to countries such as Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Especially after Sri Lanka began importing Tao Ling Three-Flavor Chili, it is mostly packaged in cellophane and regarded by locals as a premium condiment.

　　　　The Three-Flavor Chili is not only a seasoning but also a medicinal ingredient that can treat colds and rheumatoid arthritis. A common method is to boil the chili with ginger and drink the water to induce sweating and release the exterior. It can also treat mild snakebites—the method being to crush the chili and apply it directly to the wound.

　　　　This chili begins branching, flowering, and fruiting just over two inches above the ground. High-quality plants can yield at least 200 to 300 fruits per plant. It is particularly drought-resistant, generally enduring up to 70 days without water—leaves may wilt but the stems remain alive. Once it rains, the plant revives, turning green again and resuming flowering and fruiting. Its yield is high; with proper management, each mu (about 0.067 hectares) can produce 500 to 800 jin (250–400 kg) of dried chilies. However, it can only be grown on approximately 3,000 mu of land across 10 villages in Tao Ling Township to possess the “three flavors.” If transplanted elsewhere, the chili loses its sweet taste and crimson transparency.

　　　　The cultivation and processing methods of Tao Ling Three-Flavor Chili differ from those of ordinary chilies. First, 5 to 10 snail shells are placed under each chili plant to help retain moisture. Second, the fruits are smoked over fire—the better the smoking, the more crimson and translucent the chilies become.

　　The production area of Tao Ling Three-Flavor Chili covers 16 administrative villages under the jurisdiction of Tao Ling Township, Xintian County, Hunan Province, including Rengan Village, Menbei Village, Louxia Village, Dongshanling Village, Liuhe Village, Shangmatang Village, Zhangmei Village, Fushang Village, Lijia Village, Tianmeifang Village, Tianxin Village, Niutang Village, Shitang Village, Nilitou Village, Hutou Village, and Dacun Village.