Tianzhen Finger Chillies

Tianzhen Finger Chillies

Tianzhen finger chillies are a protected geographical indication product.

　　The cultivation of Tianzhen finger chillies has a history of over 30 years. Thanks to the region’s unique soil and climate conditions, the small, upward-pointing fruits are thick-fleshed, bright red in color, intensely spicy, richly aromatic, and of distinctive quality. In 1983, they were awarded the title of "High-Quality Product" by China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation and have since gained fame both domestically and internationally as the "Hottest Chili in the World." Tianzhen has become the only designated export base for finger chillies in Guangxi, with an annual export volume of around 500 tons. The products are sold to various countries and regions in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa. Currently, the county’s annual planting area has reached over 30,000 mu, yielding approximately 12,000 tons of fresh chillies per year, equivalent to more than 3,000 tons of dried chillies, with the peak harvest season from August to December. Fresh chillies can be directly used as a seasoning or processed into products such as chili sauce and sweet-and-sour chili canned goods. They can also be extracted to produce oleoresin capsicum and capsaicin refined products. Dried chili powder is widely used as a seasoning, and Tianzhen finger chillies have become a favorite condiment for households and restaurants across the region. The current market price is about 3,000 yuan per ton for fresh chillies and around 28,000 yuan per ton for dried chillies. At present, the suitable chili-growing area in Tianzhen County exceeds 120,000 mu.

　　A series of Tianzhen finger chilli products — including finger chili sauce, finger chili canned goods, and finger chili powder — have been highly praised by consumers and merchants since being launched on the market in large quantities. The finger chili sauce, in particular, is made using a unique process and carefully selected ingredients, primarily using large, bright-red fresh chillies from Tianzhen County, supplemented with fresh garlic. After being crushed, the mixture is thoroughly blended with locally produced high-proof liquor and then sealed and fermented. This preserves the rich content of capsaicin, oleoresin capsicum, vitamins, and minerals found in Tianzhen finger chillies, along with other nutrients such as carotene, anthocyanin, and organic acids like ascorbic acid, which have anti-cancer properties. According to experts, finger chillies are hot and pungent in nature, and they help warm the middle energizer, regulate qi, dispel wind, eliminate cold, remove dampness, and stimulate appetite and digestion. Regular consumption can improve appetite, aid digestion, and effectively help prevent and treat cold-induced back pain, rheumatic pain, and arthritis.

　　The “Shuangrong Brand” products in this series won the Gold Award at the “1993 International Folk Song Festival Trade Fair,” while the “Wanfushan Brand” received the Silver Award at the “1993 Changde National Spark Plan Products Exhibition.” These products have also been recognized at multiple trade fairs, such as the “Liuzhou National Fifteen-Provinces and Cities Sugar and Liquor Trade Fair” and the “Pingxiang Border Trade Fair between China and Vietnam.” The current annual production has exceeded 1,000 tons, with sales reaching provinces and regions such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xinjiang, Tianjin, Guangdong, Hainan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

　　Developing finger chilli products offers considerable economic benefits and broad prospects. All business sectors are welcome to invest in and develop this industry in Tianzhen County, Guangxi.

　　The protected geographical indication area for Tianzhen finger chillies is defined according to the scope proposed in the letter “Regarding the Confirmation of the Protected Geographical Indication Product Area for Tianzhen Finger Chillies” (Tian Zheng Ban Fa [2005] No. 113) issued by the People's Government of Tianzhen County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, covering the entire administrative region of Tianzhen County under its current jurisdiction.