Jishou Pickled Shallots

Jishou Pickled Shallots

Jishou pickled shallots are a Geographical Indication (GI) agricultural product.

　　Jishou pickled shallots are a distinctive agricultural specialty of Jishou. They are primarily cultivated on the sloping lands along the shores of Ximali Lake—the second largest freshwater lake in Hunan Province—which offers uniquely fertile soil and a favorable microclimate. The pickled shallots are tightly structured, multi-layered, oval-shaped, and weigh between 6–10 grams each. They are known for their pure white, translucent appearance, fresh aroma, tenderness, and crisp texture. Additionally, they are rich in various nutrients such as crude protein, fat, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, crude fiber, and amino acids, surpassing pickled shallots from other regions. In recent years, Jishou has implemented pollution-free, standardized cultivation and management practices for pickled shallots, significantly improving their overall quality.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Jishou City is located on the western shore of Dongting Lake in northern Hunan Province, at the lower reaches of the Li River, between 111°45′59″–112°01′40″ east longitude and 29°16′30″–29°39′46″ north latitude. The terrain features significant elevation variations, with the highest point being Hongyanzhai in Tanghua Township at an altitude of 377.1 meters, and the lowest being Jianguo Village in Baiyi Town on the outskirts of the city, at 23 meters. The general elevation ranges from 50 to 65 meters. Jishou pickled shallots are produced in five towns and townships across 36 villages: Baiyi Town, Tanghua Township, Baohe Di Town, Lijiapu Township, and Dukou Town. Baohe Di Town lies on the eastern edge, bordering the vast Dongting Lake Plain. Dukou Town faces Liuye Lake in Dingcheng District, Changde City, across the river. To the west, Baiyi Town neighbors Linli County. Lijiapu Township and Tanghua Township are situated in the central part of the city. The total cultivation area spans 2,000 hectares, with an annual yield of 8,010 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features. Jishou pickled shallots are tightly structured, multi-layered, with white outer skin, an oval shape, and weigh 6–10 grams each when fresh. 2. Internal Quality Indicators. Jishou pickled shallots are of high quality, featuring a pungent, tender, and crisp texture. They maintain the typical conical shape of the variety, are harvested at optimal ripeness, display normal coloration, have white skin, and are free from rot or off-odors. Their flavor is pure, characterized by a unique tender-whiteness and crispness. The product is rich in various amino acids and vitamins, providing essential human nutrients such as protein, fat, and dietary fiber. It also contains essential elements like calcium, zinc, dietary fiber, and abundant vitamins C, E, B1, and B2. Processed products made from these shallots are rare health foods that help prevent and treat illnesses, making them highly favored by consumers both domestically and internationally. Each 100 grams of solids contains 4.3–4.6 grams of crude protein, 0.15–0.25 grams of fat, 4.0–4.5 milligrams of vitamin C, 0.08–0.12 milligrams of vitamin E, 0.007–0.015 milligrams of vitamin B1, 0.025–0.035 milligrams of vitamin B2, 0.17–0.25% crude fiber, and 0.95–1.10% total amino acids. 3. Safety Requirements: Jishou pickled shallots comply with the standards of "Green Food – Allium Vegetables" (NY/T744–2003), and meet relevant regulations and legal requirements including the "People's Republic of China Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law" and the "State Council’s Special Provisions on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Food and Other Product Safety."