Chengkou Potatoes

Chengkou Potatoes

Chengkou Potatoes are a geographically indicated agricultural product.

　　Since human habitation began in Chengkou, potatoes have been cultivated here, boasting a long history of planting. Potatoes are the second most important grain crop in Chengkou, playing a significant role in the county’s overall grain production. Due to the large elevation differences across the region, there are notable temperature variations between high mountains and low mountains, as well as between shady and sunny slopes within the same area. The region exhibits distinct vertical climates, along with considerable day-night temperature differences. The soil pH in the county ranges between 5 and 8, with rich content of organic matter and selenium minerals, resulting in naturally high fertility. All water systems in the county meet Class III or higher standards for water body function zoning, with the vast majority meeting Class II or higher standards. These unique geographical, hydrological, and climatic conditions contribute to the distinctive growth of Chengkou potatoes. Over the years, only organic manure has been used in the cultivation of Chengkou potatoes, with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides applied. As a result, Chengkou potatoes are regular in shape, with a high proportion of medium to large tubers, shallow and few eyes, and smooth skin. They offer a soft and delicate texture when eaten, with a light aroma and slight sweetness. They are also highly nutritious, especially rich in crude fiber, protein, iron, vitamin C, as well as vitamins B1 and B2.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Chengkou County is located at the northernmost tip of Chongqing, on the southern foothills of the Daba Mountains. It borders Zhenping County and Pingli County of Shaanxi Province to the east, Xuanhan County and Wanyuan City of Sichuan Province to the west, Langao County and Ziyang County of Shaanxi Province to the north, and Kaixian District and Wuxi County of Chongqing to the south. The geographic scope of Chengkou Potatoes includes 23 towns and townships in Chengkou County: Houping, Zhiping, Dong’an, Heyu, Gaoguan, Xianyi, Mingzhong, Zhouxi, Zuolan, Gaonan, Yanhe, Beiping, Lantian, Shuanghe, Xiuqi, Mingtong, Jiming, Liaozǐ, Bashan, Longtian, Gaoyan, Pingba, and Miaoba. The core production area is concentrated in the two townships of Houping and Dong’an. The lowest elevation in this region is 481.5 m, while the highest reaches 2,686 m. The geographic coordinates are between 108°15′18″ to 109°16′43″ east longitude and 31°37′25″ to 32°12′13″ north latitude. The production area spans 13,000 hectares, with a total yield of 240,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Chengkou Potatoes are oblong in shape, regular in form, with a high proportion of medium to large tubers, shallow and few eyes, and smooth skin. They offer a soft and delicate texture when eaten, with a light aroma and slight sweetness. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Chengkou Potatoes contain ≥2.5% protein, ≥14.7g/100g starch, ≥1.16mg/100g iron, ≥13mg/100g calcium, and ≥4.2×10⁻³mg/kg selenium. 3. Safety Requirements: The origin, production process, and safety requirements comply with pollution-free agricultural product standards: NY5332－2006 Pollution-Free Agricultural Products – Field Crop Growing Environment Conditions, and NY5221－2005 Pollution-Free Agricultural Products – Tuber and Root Vegetables.