Yan Yuan Chili

Yan Yuan Chili

Yan Yuan Chili is a product with geographical indication status.

　　Yan Yuan Chili features large fruits, thick flesh, vibrant red color, and a sweet-spicy flavor. Rich in lycopene and various vitamins, the naturally air-dried chilies have an intense deep red hue, making them an excellent ingredient for fresh consumption, processing, and further value-added production.

　　The main growing areas of Yan Yuan Chili are located at elevations between 2,200 and 2,600 meters, where the annual average temperature is 12.5°C and the annual sunshine duration is 2,571 hours. The unique gravelly soil, abundant underground water resources, and temperate continental monsoon climate contribute to the production of chilies that possess unmatched quality and distinctive characteristics compared to those from other regions. Currently, there are 18 varieties cultivated, including the Yaping series, Qili Pyramid series, American Red, sweet pepper types, and Yan Jiao, among others. In 2013, the planting area of Yan Yuan Chili had reached 80,000 mu, producing 150,000 tons of chilies with a total output value of 330 million yuan. Of this, chili sales in the Chengdu market were estimated to be worth 300 million yuan. The chili industry has engaged 12 counties, over 80 villages, more than 900 groups, and 32,000 farming households in chili cultivation.

　　Fresh Yan Yuan Chilies are bright in color, thick-fleshed, oil-rich, with aromatic seeds, moderate spiciness, and rich nutrition. They are abundant in capsaicin, lycopene, and Vitamin C. Naturally air-dried, the chilies take on a deep red color, making them ideal for fresh use, processing, and further production. The product sells well across the country and is exported to several countries and regions including South Korea and Japan. It is also a premium raw material for Pixian Douban (chili bean paste) producers.

　　The production of Yan Yuan Chili, from input management to product market entry, strictly follows pollution-free production technical regulations, ensuring the products meet pollution-free standards. Throughout the development of the industry, the county party committee and government have placed high importance on building pollution-free bases. In April 2007, it was recognized by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture as a “Sichuan Pollution-Free Vegetable (Chili) Agricultural Product Origin” and issued an official origin certification.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic indication area for Yan Yuan Chili includes 16 townships (towns) within Yan Yuan County: Shuhe Town, Dahe Township, Beiwu Town, Weicheng Town, Yanjing Town, Shuanghe Township, Ganhai Township, Xiha Township, Meiyu Town, Mianya Township, Huangcao Town, Boda Township, Dacao Township, Changbai Township, Lugu Lake Town, and Qiansuo Township. The geographical coordinates are between 100°42′–102°04′ east longitude and 27°04′–28°17′ north latitude. It borders Xichang City and Dechang County to the east, Yanbian County to the south, Ninglang County of Yunnan Province to the west, and connects to Muli County and Mianning County to the north. The protected area spans 26,667 hectares, with an annual yield of 160,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Yan Yuan Chili is a long, slightly curved cayenne-type pepper with a smooth surface, glossy and oily appearance, deep red color, flat shoulders, thick flesh, three locules, numerous seeds, and mild spiciness. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Yan Yuan Chili contains capsaicin ≥50mg/100g and Vitamin C ≥140mg/100g. (3) Safety Requirements: Yan Yuan Chili complies with relevant national legal standards.

　　Folk Rhyme

　　Yan Yuan Chili is a treasure, indispensable to the Qiang people.

　　By the start of spring, sow with care; before Cold Dew, the trees turn red everywhere.

　　To boost yield, try this trick: high beds and early planting work just right.

　　Work hard, guard against harm—red chilies everywhere, loved by all.