Erjingtiao chili peppers

Erjingtiao chili peppers

Erjingtiao chili peppers are a geographical indication protected product.

Erjingtiao chili peppers are a geographical indication certified trademark.

　　Erjingtiao chili peppers are an indispensable part of authentic Sichuan cuisine as a seasoning. Well-known products such as Pixian Douban and Fuling Zhacai must use Erjingtiao chili peppers as a key ingredient. These "Erjingtiao chilies" differ in spiciness from common chili varieties—their characteristic is mild heat paired with rich aroma. When consumed fresh, Erjingtiao chili peppers are mostly harvested while green, typically between early May and October, while red ones are picked from July to September.

　　The characteristics of Erjingtiao chili peppers are as follows: First, when fried, they yield a bright red oil that naturally splashes up the sides of the plate, offering a moderate level of spiciness and a fragrant taste. Second, their pods are slender with a “J”-shaped hook at the tip, giving them an attractive appearance with a shiny emerald green color. Third, both the pepper skin and placenta contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy flavor. Capsaicin content varies by variety, generally ranging from about 17% to 27%. Erjingtiao chili peppers exceed 27%, and every 100 grams of fresh pepper contains 1.56 mg of beta-carotene and 105 mg of vitamin C, both higher than most common vegetables. The plants grow vigorously with many branches, and the fruit is long and cone-shaped, slightly curved, with over 40% having grooves at the tip. When mature, they turn deep red with a glossy finish, weighing 5–8 grams per pod. They are relatively heat-tolerant, flavorful and moderately spicy, with rich oil content. Packed with essential nutrients including vitamin C, protein, beta-carotene, fatty oils, red pigments, capsaicin, volatile oils, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and ascorbic acid, these chilies are highly nutritious. They can be stir-fried, pickled, used in making douban paste or pickles, dried into dried chilies or chili powder, and serve as excellent seasonings.

　　The geographical indication product protection area for Shuangliu Erjingtiao chili peppers covers the administrative regions of 13 towns currently under the jurisdiction of Shuangliu County, Sichuan Province: Shengli Town, Huangjia Town, Gongxing Town, Zhengxing Town, Yong’an Town, Jiancha Town, Yongxing Town, Huanglongxi Town, Jitian Town, Dalin Town, Sanxing Town, Hejiang Town, and Xinglong Town.