Preserved Radish from Gaotang

Preserved Radish from Gaotang

Preserved Radish from Gaotang is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Preserved radish, or "luobo fu" in Chinese, refers to dried radish. Since radish is commonly called "cai tou" (literally "vegetable head") in the Chaoshan region, it is thus named "cai fu" (vegetable preserved). It is one of the specialties of the Chaoshan area. The preserved radish produced in Gaotang Town, Raoping County, Guangdong Province is particularly renowned for its bright amber-yellow color, sweet taste, thick texture, and crispiness, making it very popular among locals.

　　The delicious and sweet taste of Gaotang preserved radish is not only due to the high quality of the radishes but also its unique pickling method: during the pickling process, a pit is dug in sandy soil according to the amount of radishes. Before pickling, the harvested radishes are first stripped of their leaves and soaked briefly in a saltwater bucket. After being taken out, they are laid out one by one on a relatively flat surface to dry in the sun. That same evening, the radish slices are soaked again in the saltwater bucket briefly before being collected into the pit. A suitable amount of coarse salt is sprinkled between each layer of radish slices, and the pit is then covered with straw. This process is repeated for two to three days until the radish slices gradually become soft. Next, the radish slices are collected back into the pit, a thin layer of salt is added, and a person stands barefoot on the pit to gently tread on it, allowing the salt to penetrate the slices. The next day, the radish slices are spread out on the ground to dry again. After another three to four days, the slices are washed clean with water, then packed separately into grain baskets, sprinkled with a thin layer of salt, covered with clean straw or sugarcane leaves, and pressed down with stones to squeeze out the acidic water from the slices. Later, the radish slices are arranged on grain baskets or bamboo fences to continue drying in the sun for another three to four days. When the slices are about 80% dry, seasonings such as star anise powder, aged wine, and brown sugar are added, and the mixture is lightly kneaded before being packed into jars, pressed tightly, and sealed. After about a month, the fragrant Gaotang preserved radish is ready.

　　Preserved Radish from Gaotang

　　Geographic Scope

　　The origin of Gaotang preserved radish is Gaotang Town, Raoping County, Guangdong Province. The main radish production areas are distributed across six towns: Gaotang, Qiandong, Zhangxi, Huanggang, Lianrao, and Suocheng, covering a planting area of 1,000 hectares with an annual output of 22,500 tons. This region is located in the middle and lower reaches of the Huanggang River in Raoping County, bordering Zhao’an County of Fujian Province to the east, coastal areas including Zhangzhou Town of the same county to the south, Chao’an County to the west, and Fushan Town of the same county to the north. Its geographic coordinates are 116°45′ to 117°08′ east longitude and 23°35′ to 23°48′ north latitude.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　4.1 External Sensory Characteristics Fresh Radish: White and smooth skin, fresh taste, with aroma and ester fragrance, crisp texture, uniform length and thickness, no impurities. Salted Product: Light yellow in color, bright and glossy, with radish aroma and ester fragrance, crisp texture, uniform length and thickness, moderate saltiness, no off-flavors. Dried Product: Light yellow in color, 20–30 cm long, 4–6 cm wide, with bright amber-yellow color and gloss, strong original fragrance, crispy and delicious, sweet taste, moderate saltiness. 　　4.2 Internal Quality Indicators Gaotang preserved radish (radish) is highly nutritious, rich in dietary fiber, various vitamins, and trace elements—essential nutrients for the human body. It has notable benefits for regulating gastrointestinal function, reducing greasiness, stimulating appetite, and aiding digestion. 　　4.3 Product Quality and Safety Indicators