Sichuan Pickles

Sichuan Pickles

Sichuan pickles are a product with geographical indication.

　　In Sichuan households, it’s common to have several pickle jars. Some are used for storing sauces, others for preserved vegetables, but most are dedicated to making pickles.

　　Also known as sour pickles, these pickled vegetables have a salty and tangy flavor, a crisp texture, bright colors, and an inviting aroma. They stimulate the appetite, refresh the senses, help sober up, and cut through greasiness—suitable for both young and old. They are a staple side dish in everyday Sichuan life.

　　Sichuan pickles are quite particular in their preparation. They are categorized into: seasoning pickles, everyday meal pickles, and quick-blanch pickles. For example, pickled red chilies, tender ginger, and garlic are usually used as cooking seasonings, hence called seasoning pickles; seasonal vegetables like pickled mustard greens, radishes, and onions are commonly served as side dishes to accompany meals, thus known as everyday meal pickles. Some everyday meal pickles are not meant to be pickled for long—such as pickled radish skin, radish cubes, and shredded lettuce—which are quickly pickled just to retain their crispness and freshness, often for just one night. These are commonly referred to as “quick-blanch pickles.” To achieve this quick effect, the brine for quick-blanch pickles should be as light as possible. Therefore, for convenience, people often pickle these types separately, which is why many households have several pickle jars.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Sichuan pickles are produced in 21 cities (prefectures) within Sichuan Province, including Chengdu, Zigong, Panzhihua, Luzhou, Deyang, Neijiang, Leshan, Mianyang, Suining, Guangyuan, Nanchong, Yibin, Guang’an, Dazhou, Meishan, Ziyang, Bazhong, Ya’an, Aba Prefecture, Ganzi Prefecture, and Liangshan Prefecture. The geographical coordinates span from 92°21′ to 108°12′ east longitude and 26°03′ to 34°19′ north latitude, at altitudes between 220 and 2,000 meters. The protected area for Sichuan pickles covers 20 million hectares, encompassing 144 counties (districts): Jinjiang District, Qingyang District, Jinniu District, Wuhou District, Chenghua District, High-Tech Zone, Longquanyi District, Qingbaijiang District, Xindu District, Wenjiang District, Jintang County, Pengzhou City, Pixian County, Shuangliu County, Xinjin County, Dujiangyan City, Chongzhou City, Dayi County, Qionglai City, Pujiang County in Chengdu; Yantan District, Da’an District, Gongjing District, Fushun County, Rongxian County in Zigong; Dong District, Renhe District, Xiqu District, Yanbian County, Miyi County in Panzhihua; Jiangyang District, Naxi District, Longmatan District, Luxian County, Hejiang County, Gulin County, Xuyong County in Luzhou; Jingyang District, Zhongjiang County, Guanghan City, Shifang City, Mianzhu City, Luojiang City, Pingshan County in Deyang; Central District, Dongxing District, Weiyuan County, Zizhong County, Longchang County, Pengzhou County in Neijiang; Central District, Shawan District, Wutongqiao District, Jinkouhe District, Jianwei County, Jingyan County, Jiajiang County, Mabian County, Ebian County, Mabian County, Emeishan City in Leshan; Fucheng District, Youxian District, Santai County, Yanting County, An County, Zitong County, Beichuan County, Jiangyou City in Mianyang; Chuanshan District, Anju District, Pengxi County, Shehong County, Daying County in Suining; Lizhou District, Yuanba District, Chaotian District, Wangcang County, Cangxi County, Qingchuan County, Jiange County in Guangyuan; Gaoping District, Jialing District, Shunqing District, Nanbu County, Yingshan County, Peng’an County, Yilong County, Langzhong City in Nanchong; Cuiping District, Xuzhou County, Nanxi County, Jiang’an County, Changning County, Gao County, Junlian County, Gong County, Ping Shan County, Xingwen County in Yibin; Guang’an District, Huaying City, Yuechi County, Wusheng County, Linshui County in Guang’an; Tongchuan District, Xuanhan County, Pingchang County, Nanjiang County, Yajiang County in Bazhong; Yucheng District, Mingshan County, Hanyuan County, Shimian County, Tianquan County, Baoxing County, Yingjing County, Lushan County, Wenchuan County, Li County in Ya’an; Bazhou District, Tongjiang County, Pingchang County, Nanjiang County in Bazhong; Yucheng District, Meigu County, Zhaojue County, Huidong County, Huili County, Yuexi County, Dechang County, Mianning County, Yanjin County in Liangshan. The annual production of Sichuan pickles reaches 6 million tons.