Xinzhou Glutinous Corn

Xinzhou Glutinous Corn

Xinzhou glutinous corn is an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　Xinzhou glutinous corn, a specialty of Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, is a China Geographical Indication product. Xinzhou is located in the north-central part of Shanxi and was among the first regions in China to introduce and process glutinous corn. The area has a temperate semi-arid climate, with temperature and sunlight conditions that are highly suitable for the growth of sweet and glutinous corn. Additionally, Xinzhou experiences significant diurnal temperature variations, which lead to high sugar accumulation in the corn, resulting in a sweet, soft, and sticky texture with excellent quality. Xinzhou sweet and glutinous corn combines the characteristics of a cereal, vegetable, and fruit, making it highly favored and renowned nationwide.

　　Xinzhou City is located in the north-central part of Shanxi Province, between 112°17' and 112°58' east longitude, and Xinzhou Glutinous Corn planting base

　　38°13' and 38°41' north latitude, with a frost-free period of 167.1 days, an average surface temperature of 14°C to 12.8°C, and annual precipitation of 420–470 millimeters. The long planting history, unique geographical location, geological conditions, as well as advantages in sunlight, water, and soil fertility, make it highly suitable for the growth of sweet and glutinous corn. Its nutritional content and sugar accumulation are superior to other regions. Xinzhou corn is an autumn grain crop that thrives on light and warmth, requiring high temperatures, ample sunlight, and sufficient moisture throughout its growth cycle from sowing to maturity. Each stage of its development has specific meteorological requirements: minimal water is needed from sowing to seedling emergence, water demand increases during the seedling to jointing stage, rises significantly from jointing to tasseling, remains high during the grain-filling and maturation stages, and gradually decreases after the milk stage. In other words, precipitation needs are low at the beginning and end of the growth cycle but high in the middle. From April to May, water demand is low; from June to August, it peaks; and from September onward, it declines again. Xinzhou’s precipitation pattern aligns perfectly with the water needs of sweet and glutinous corn. Coupled with its temperate semi-arid climate, the city's temperature and sunlight conditions are ideal for the growth of sweet and glutinous corn, while its large diurnal temperature range contributes to high sugar accumulation, yielding a sweet, soft, and sticky texture with outstanding quality. Xinzhou sweet and glutinous corn combines the qualities of a cereal, vegetable, and fruit, making it widely loved.

　　Quality Characteristics: Xinzhou sweet and glutinous corn comes in many varieties and is of excellent quality. Fresh sweet and glutinous corn is somewhat like a cereal, a vegetable, and a fruit all in one—an unique and healthy new food. Thanks to the long frost-free period, abundant sunlight, and large diurnal temperature variations in the planting areas of Xinzhou, the corn accumulates high sugar content, resulting in a deliciously sweet, soft, and sticky texture that ranks among the best in China. In terms of variety, there are not only sweet and glutinous types, but also options that are frozen, vacuum-packed, sold as fresh ears, or as fresh kernels. Moreover, they come in a variety of colors including yellow, white, black, and purple. Most producers have obtained green food certification, earning widespread acclaim across China. The processing involves no additives, making it an “original ecological food.”

　　Production Situation: Xinzhou was among the first regions in China to introduce and process glutinous corn. The city’s glutinous corn planting area expanded from over 10,000 mu in the late 1990s to 100,000 mu by 2005, making it the largest area for glutinous corn cultivation in Shanxi Province. There are more than 30 enterprises processing glutinous corn in the city, with registered trademarks such as Tianwei’er, Weibao Sweet, Sanli, and Suisu Sweet. Products are exported to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Southeast Asian countries. By the early 21st century, an industrialized framework for Xinzhou’s sweet and glutinous corn had taken shape. By 2011, there were over 30 enterprises engaged in processing and cold storage of Xinzhou sweet corn, with contracted production bases covering more than 100,000 mu and an annual output of about 250 million ears. Products are distributed across China, with some exported overseas via coastal import-export trading companies. Over time, the industry has also cultivated a group of skilled personnel in planting and processing. To ensure the healthy development of the industry, the Xinzhou Municipal Agricultural Commission, in collaboration with related processing enterprises, production bases, and agricultural technology departments at various levels, established the Xinzhou Sweet and Glutinous Corn Cooperative Association. This association provides comprehensive pre-production, mid-production, and post-production services to support enterprises and bases.

　　Geographical Indication

　　In accordance with the "Administrative Measures for Agricultural Geographical Indications," the Shanxi Xinzhou Agricultural Industrialization Association applied for geographical indication protection for the agricultural product "Xinzhou Glutinous Corn." After preliminary review, expert evaluation, and public announcement, the application met the registration procedures and conditions for agricultural geographical indications. The Ministry of Agriculture decided to grant the registration on August 3, 2012.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Xinfu District is located in the north-central part of Shanxi Province, in the western half of the Xinding Basin, surrounded by mountains on the north, west, and south. It borders Yuanping, Ningwu, and Jingle counties (cities) across the mountains, and adjoins the plains of Dingxiang County to the east. The district covers a total area of 1,954 square kilometers. Based on the "Administrative Measures for the Registration of Agricultural Geographical Indications" and considering the unique cultural, historical, and natural ecological environment of Xinzhou’s sweet and glutinous corn, the Xinzhou Xinfu District Agricultural Work Leading Group Office, after extensive consultation, proposed to designate the geographical indication protection scope for Xinfu District’s sweet and glutinous corn as follows: thirteen towns and subdistricts in Xinfu District, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province—including Boming Town, Jieyuan Township, Qicun Town, Hesuo Township, Donglou Township, Qincheng Township, Yijing Township, Ziyang Township, Xizhang Township, Caozhang Township, Gaocheng Township, Dongcun Town, and Changzheng Subdistrict Office—covering 150 administrative villages, with a planting area of 4,000 hectares and an annual production capacity of 48,300 tons. The protected area lies between 112°17' and 112°58' east longitude and 38°13' and 38°41' north latitude. The highest elevation in the region is 829 meters, and the lowest is 764 meters.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: The glutinous corn produced in Xinfu District has thin skins, no residue, a delicate texture, and a fresh, tender, sticky, fragrant, soft, and sweet taste. 2. Unique Internal Composition: Xinzhou glutinous corn is rich in various vitamins, amino acids, proteins, fatty acids, and dietary fiber. Testing shows that per 100g of Xinzhou glutinous corn, there are 330KJ of calories, 40.4g of total starch, 4.55g of protein, 9.3g of dietary fiber, 1.8g of total fat, 42.3g of carbohydrates, 3.58mg of calcium, 1.68mg of iron, 50.0mg of magnesium, 0.83mg of zinc, 0.14mg of vitamin B1, 0.016mg of vitamin B2, 6.35mg of vitamin E, 4.48g of total amino acids, including 0.27g of aspartic acid, 0.15g of threonine, 0.20g of serine, 0.87g of glutamic acid, 0.15g of glycine, 0.33g of alanine, 0.07g of cystine, 0.25g of valine, 0.13g of methionine, 0.22g of isoleucine, 0.64g of leucine, 0.13g of tyrosine, 0.30g of phenylalanine, 0.14g of lysine, 0.12g of histidine, 0.16g of arginine. In addition to its high nutritional value, the product also offers good health benefits. Regular consumption can help lower cholesterol, prevent arteriosclerosis, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and gallbladder diseases. 2. Safety Requirements: Xinzhou glutinous corn has passed food safety production certification, HACCP certification, export food enterprise hygiene registration, ISO9001-2000 international quality management system certification, organic food certification, and green food certification. It has been rated as a national AAA-level standardized good behavior enterprise.