Immortal Sweet Potatoes

Immortal Sweet Potatoes

Xianren Sweet Potatoes are a protected product under the Agricultural Product Geographical Indication scheme.

　　Xianren Sweet Potatoes are a specialty of Xianren Township, Yu County, Yangquan City, Shanxi Province. With its low altitude, high accumulated temperature, and well-aerated sandy soil, Xianren Township’s unique geographical and climatic conditions contribute to the superior quality of its sweet potatoes. In 2011, Xianren Sweet Potatoes obtained certification as pollution-free agricultural products. They are also recognized as a protected product under the Agricultural Product Geographical Indication scheme.

　　Shizishen Village in Xianren Township, Yu County, features low altitude, high accumulated temperature, and well-aerated sandy soil. These unique geographical and climatic conditions have helped ensure the premium quality of the sweet potato products from Zhenxiang Sweet Potato Planting Cooperative. In 2011, the cooperative’s sweet potato products were certified as pollution-free agricultural goods. Today, the Xianren Sweet Potato brand has gained increasing recognition, with 126 member households participating. The cooperative has extended its influence to over ten villages across Xianren Township, producing 200 tons of sweet potatoes annually and generating an output value of 14 million yuan. With assistance from the local Administration for Industry and Commerce, the cooperative completed the design and application for the “Yangpo Po” trademark. In January 2011, the cooperative received its trademark registration certificate, and buyers began signing contracts even before the sweet potatoes were harvested.

　　In 2013, Xianren Sweet Potatoes, applied for by Yu County Zhenxiang Sweet Potato Planting Cooperative, passed expert evaluation and were designated as a protected product under the Agricultural Product Geographical Indication scheme.

　　Yu County Zhenxiang Sweet Potato Planting Cooperative

　　Location: 2013

　　Geographical Scope

　　The production area of Xianren Sweet Potatoes is located in Xianren Township, Yu County, Yangquan City, Shanxi Province. Situated in the eastern part of central Shanxi, it borders Jingxing County and Pingshan County of Hebei Province, as well as the suburbs of Yangquan City, Pingding County, making it a key transit hub between the two provinces and four counties. It is also one of the more economically active regions along the Shanxi-Hebei border. Furthermore, it serves as an important exit route to the Beijing-Tianjin area. Its geographical coordinates are 37°40′–38°31′ N latitude and 112°54′–114°04′ E longitude, with an elevation ranging from 500 to 600 meters. The area spans 207 square kilometers, including 35,285 mu of arable land (approximately 4.65% of Yangquan City’s total area). The renowned Inner Great Wall stretches from north to south through Xianren territory. Historical passes such as Liulinguan, Shiba Pan, and Nüziguan are located within the region, earning it the nickname “the Eastern Gateway of Shanxi.” This area holds significant political, military, and economic importance in Shanxi. The protected production area for Xianren Sweet Potatoes includes 30 administrative villages in Xianren Township, Yu County: Zhangzhuang Village, Shizishen, Zhangwan, Shanxiyu, Yangjiashui, Shiyuliang, Yangshu’ao, Sangshu’ao, Diaowangya, Lingdi, Lishannan, Shigeze, Waishannan, Xianren Village, Jiaokou, Zhuangshang, Shajing, Youdaogou, Dongzhuangtou, Shuizhan, Yangpo, Shibao, Naoshang, Jiaoyu, Huili, Dongzhuang, Qiliyu, Beipo, Xiyu, and Lanli. The total protected area spans 2,352.33 hectares, with 1,000 hectares dedicated to sweet potato cultivation, yielding approximately 30,000 tons of high-quality sweet potatoes per year.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Owing to its unique local varieties, growing conditions, rocky terrain, sandy soil, and time-tested traditional cultivation practices combined with favorable climate conditions, Xianren Sweet Potatoes are renowned for their uniform size, spindle-, oval-, or cylinder-shaped forms, smooth and flat surface of the tubers, vibrant and attractive inner and outer skin colors, high commercial rate, and dry matter content exceeding 258 grams per kilogram. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: According to testing by the China Agricultural Product Geographical Indication scheme and the Quality and Safety Center of the Ministry of Agriculture, PONY Testing concluded that “this product meets the requirements of the Quality Control Technical Specifications for Agricultural Product Geographical Indications – Xianren Sweet Potatoes.” The sample grade was fresh and normal, based on a sample size of 30,000 kg. Tested parameters and actual results included: starch content at 13.2% (exceeding the specified standard of 1.4%), total dietary fiber at 2.21% (above the 0.57% standard), calcium at 29 mg per 100g (surpassing the 7 mg standard), magnesium at 18.2 mg per 100g (greater than the 5.2 mg standard), potassium at 324 mg per 100g (exceeding the 64 mg standard), vitamin E totaling 19.23 mg per 100g (more than the 5.43 mg standard), and vitamin C at 14.4 mg per 100g (above the 4.4 mg standard). A source of pride for Xianren Sweet Potatoes is their lysine content, which measures 79.95 mg per 100g — surpassing the 52.95 mg standard and triple the national regulated level. 3. Safety Requirements: The production and processing of Xianren Sweet Potatoes strictly adhere to mandatory national standards, including Pollution-Free Food Sweet Potato (ZBB23007-1985), Environmental Requirements for Pollution-Free Sweet Potato Production (NY5304-2005), Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095), Soil Environmental Quality Standards (GB15618), Rational Use of Pesticides Standard (GB/T8321), and Safe Use of Pesticides Standard (GB4285).