Shizhu Chili Peppers

Shizhu Chili Peppers

Shizhu Chili Peppers are a product recognized with a Geographical Indication for Agricultural Products.

　　To develop the rural economy and increase farmers’ income, the county Party committee and government have leveraged their local resource advantages by selecting small chili peppers—with their distinctive regional characteristics and strong market potential—as a key focus for agricultural industry development in our county. Through unremitting efforts, we have built the largest chili-producing county in Sichuan and Chongqing, creating a distinctive “major industry” with strong national competitiveness.

　　Shizhu County’s chili peppers were being exported to countries such as South Korea and Sri Lanka as early as the 1950s. In 2000, the county Party committee and government identified the chili industry as a key focus, introducing seeds from Shandong and Guizhou and conducting trial planting on 500 mu in Sanyi, which yielded a bountiful harvest. Over four years, the planting area rapidly expanded from 500 mu to 130,000 mu by 2005, and is expected to reach 200,000 mu by 2010. The number of townships involved grew from one to 16 by 2005; specialized cooperative economic organizations increased from one to 20 by 2005, and the first domestic chili-branded trademark, “Sanyi,” was registered. This industry has grown from small-scale trials to large-scale planting, from a simple side dish on family dining tables to an emerging industry covering most of the county, and is now thriving in Shizhu.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic area for Shizhu Chili Peppers lies between 108°00′ to 108°29′ east longitude and 29°39′ to 30°33′ north latitude. It includes 27 towns and townships in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality: Nanbin Town, Xituo Town, Xialu Town, Yuelai Town, Linxi Town, Mawu Town, Wangchang Town, Yanxi Town, Longsha Town, Yuchi Town, Sanhe Town, Daxie Town, Qiaotou Town, Shazi Town, Wanchao Town, Huangshui Town, Libang Township, Sanxing Township, Liutang Township, Sanyi Township, Wangjia Township, Hezui Township, Shijia Township, Zhongyi Township, Huanghe Township, Xixin Township, and Xinle Township. The total planting area spans 20,000 hectares, with an annual output reaching 300,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Appearance Characteristics: Shizhu chili peppers feature bright color, good glossiness, strong spiciness, high oil content, rich aroma, thin skin with thick flesh, high hardness, and few seeds. 2. Internal Quality: 2.1 For long pointed chilies: capsaicin 1800–4900 mg/kg, dihydrocapsaicin 700–1800 mg/kg, capsanthin 20–60 (at 460 nm), fat 2.5–9.3%. 2.2 For facing heaven chilies: capsaicin 1200–3700 mg/kg, dihydrocapsaicin 800–1500 mg/kg, capsanthin 20–100 (at 460 nm), fat 4–10%. 3. Safety Requirements: Shizhu chili peppers must comply with relevant national quality and safety standards.