Bazhong Tussah Pupae

Bazhong Tussah Pupae

Bazhong Tussah Pupae are a product with geographical indication.

　　Bazhong Tussah Pupae

　　The Bazhong tussah feeds on leaves of Quercus acutissima and Quercus variabilis (commonly known as blue oak leaves), raised entirely in the wild through green, pollution-free farming. Its pupae are large, beautifully shaped, and golden yellow in color, and can be preserved and remain viable for over 10 months in environments of 5–15°C.

　　According to testing results from national authoritative institutions, Bazhong tussah pupae are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and 18 kinds of free amino acids required by the human body, as well as more than 10 types of vitamins, over 20 types of minerals and trace elements, and five major categories of natural animal hormones. Among these: protein content is as high as 92.97%, unsaturated fatty acid content reaches 80.21%, amino acid content is up to 65.21%, vitamin B, E, and A contents are respectively 64.97%, 53.42%, and 7.5%, while zinc, calcium, and selenium contents reach 141.81 ppm, 19.01 ppm, and 0.07 ppm respectively.

　　Bazhong tussah pupae are rich in various nutrients and life-enhancing elements. Clinical medical practice has proven that consuming Bazhong tussah pupae has unique therapeutic effects on boosting the human immune system, invigorating qi and nourishing blood, strengthening the waist and kidneys, nourishing the lungs and moisturizing the intestines, and softening blood vessels. They are hailed as the “soft gold” for physical fitness. Currently, they are in high demand in the market and highly favored by consumers.

　　Other Livestock Products

　　Geographical Scope

　　Bazhong Tussah Pupae rely on natural oak forest resources. The geographical indication protection area covers 47 townships within Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, including: 8 townships in Bazhou District—Siling, Zitong, Lingyun, Huaxi, Guandu, Qingshan, Fuxing, and Zaolin; 21 townships in Tongjiang County—Chenhe, Fuyang, Xinchang, Qingyu, Banqiaokou, Nuoshuihe, Tiechanghe, Huilin, Huojv, Xinglong, Yanxi, Yongan, Nixi, Shaping, Changping, Tiexi, Lianghekou, Shengli, Zhongfeng, Bixi, and Shaxi; and 18 townships in Nanjiang County—Guantian, Guanlu, Ganchang, Guanmen, Beiji, Shangliang, Guanba, Zaipo, Yangba, Pinghe, Guimin, Shaba, Huitan, Liuwang, Dongyu, Shahe, Tuanjie, and Gaota. The geographical coordinates are: 106°21′ to 107°45′ east longitude, and 31°15′ to 32°50′ north latitude. The total protected area is 70,000 hectares, with an annual production of 3,000 tons of fresh tussah pupae.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Quality Features: 1.1 Nutritional Quality: The pupae are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, 18 types of amino acids, various vitamins, and minerals. Their nutritional value far exceeds that of traditional livestock and poultry products, making them an ideal high-protein food and health product for humans. 1.2 Unique Quality: The pupae overwinter in a diapause state and can be preserved for 10 months at 5–15°C without emerging as moths. They are nutrient-rich, have a soft texture, a strong pupal aroma, and a unique flavor. 1.3 Consumption Methods: Depending on personal taste, they can be boiled, stir-fried dry, deep-fried, stewed, braised, or steamed. 2. Product Quality and Safety Standards: 2.1 Product Appearance: Tussah pupae are spindle-shaped, divided into head, thorax, and abdomen. Spring tussah pupae are about 3.8 cm long and 1.9 cm wide. Autumn pupae are about 4.0 cm long and 2.1 cm wide. Mature spring pupae are light yellowish-brown, while autumn pupae are yellowish-brown. The average weight of a whole pupa is 8 g, with some reaching up to 10.5 g. 2.2 Appearance Requirements: Uniform size, full and intact body, consistent color. 2.3 Fresh Pupa Internal Quality Standards: Protein content ≥60% of dry matter, total amino acid content ≥56% of dry matter, including 18 essential amino acids for humans; Vitamin C ≥180 mg/kg, Vitamin B2 ≥16 mg/kg, Vitamin E ≥6 mg/kg; Calcium ≥200 mg/kg, Zinc ≥12 mg/kg, Iron ≥6.5 mg/kg, Copper ≥4 mg/kg. 2.4 Product Safety Standards: Residue levels of pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and other contaminants should comply with general food safety limit standards.