Pingshun Codonopsis Pilosula

Pingshun Codonopsis Pilosula

Pingshun Codonopsis Pilosula is an agricultural product geographical indication product.

　　Pingshun Codonopsis Pilosula, a specialty of Pingshun County, Shanxi Province, is a protected product under China's Agricultural Product Geographical Indication. Pingshun County is the birthplace of this herb. The "Sihé Guānshān" area of the county features unique springs, special soil, and a distinctive climate, which provide optimal growing conditions for Codonopsis. The Pingshun variety is characterized by long, slender roots, thick texture, pure flavor, yellow skin with red flesh, and vibrant color. When cut crosswise, tiny star-like dots can be seen, and the overall structure resembles a “tiger head, phoenix tail, and chrysanthemum heart.” It has three to five leaves, pinecone-shaped root tops, light yellow flowers, and a fragrant aroma. The roots can weigh up to about 400 grams, earning it the title “King of Codonopsis.”

　　The "Sihé Guānshān" area of Pingshun County is covered with red furnace sand soil, grassy black soil, and enjoys a cool and suitable climate. Remarkably, these valleys lie at elevations of over 1,400 meters, with many gullies and depressions dotted with natural mountain springs. These springs flow year-round. When tasted, they have a unique flavor reminiscent of Codonopsis, and it is said that the medicinal efficacy of the Codonopsis from "Sihé Guānshān" is greatly influenced by this water. These unique springs, special soil, and distinctive climate offer ideal growing conditions for Pingshun Codonopsis. The herb features long, slender roots, thick texture, pure flavor, yellow skin with red flesh, and bright color. When cut crosswise, tiny star-like dots can be seen, and the overall structure resembles a “tiger head, phoenix tail, and chrysanthemum heart.” It has three to five leaves, pinecone-shaped root tops, light yellow flowers, and a fragrant aroma. The roots can weigh up to about 400 grams, earning it the title “King of Codonopsis.” In the 21st century, the Pingshun County Science and Technology Association listed Codonopsis research as a key project. The county’s annual production averages around 1 million kilograms. Townships such as Yuxiaguan, Yanglaoyan, Longzhen, Xingcheng, and Hongtiguan widely cultivate Codonopsis. The development prospects for Pingshun Codonopsis are highly promising.

　　Pingshun Codonopsis Pilosula

　　Geographic Range

　　It mainly grows in 62 administrative villages across five townships: Hongtiguan, Dongsitou, Xingcheng, Longxi, and Xigou. This area has been designated as the protected geographical indication zone for Pingshun Codonopsis agricultural products. The northern boundary is at Kelao Village, Hongtiguan Township (113°32′ E, 36°13′ N), the eastern boundary at Zhangjiawa Village, Dongsitou Township (113°32′ E, 36°8′ N), the southern boundary at Shikoumen Village, Xingcheng Township (113°32′ E, 35°58′ N), and the western boundary at Jingquan Village, Longxi Township (113°36′ E, 36°4′ N).

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　External Sensory Features: The root is flat and cylindrical, approximately 8–22 cm in length and 7–10 mm in diameter, though some may be longer. The root head lacks a distinct “lion’s head” formation. The surface is light grayish-brown with deep, irregular vertical furrows and sparse transverse wrinkles near the root head. The texture is relatively light, brittle, and the cross-section is irregular. It has a faint scent, no strong aroma, and a sweet taste. Single, unbranched, white, plump, and thick roots are considered the best quality. Codonopsis is a perennial herbaceous plant. Its roots are cylindrical with a light gray surface and feature a “chrysanthemum heart” interior. The stem is twining, exuding white latex when cut, long and much-branched, often dark purple in color, with short rough hairs on the lower part and smooth upper parts. Leaves are opposite or whorled, petiolate, and ovate or broadly ovate with entire margins. Codonopsis exhibits strong cold resistance, drought tolerance, and adaptability, and has been introduced and cultivated across China. It thrives in mild and cool climates. Seedlings prefer humid and shady conditions—drought can kill them. During seedling cultivation, intercropping with tall crops is recommended. Mature plants prefer sunlight, but high temperatures and humidity can cause root rot.