Four-Block Black Potatoes

Four-Block Black Potatoes

The Four-Block Black Potato is a protected geographical indication product.

　　The Four-Block Black Potato is a well-known local potato variety in Guizhou, with over a hundred years of cultivation history in the region. Its name comes from its main production area, Sige Township in Pan County.

　　Sige is located at the northernmost part of Pan County, with an altitude ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 meters across the township. It lies in the transitional zone of the central Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized prominently by mountainous terrain and high altitude. The soil and geological conditions are excellent, featuring loose, deep layers of yellow-brown soil rich in nutrients. The soil is also abundant in selenium, zinc, and molybdenum, providing an ideal growing environment for the Four-Block Black Potatoes of Pan County. This environment contributes to the potatoes’ high content of trace elements such as selenium, zinc, and molybdenum.

　　The Four-Block Black Potato is small in size and nearly oval-shaped, with a diameter of about 5–8 cm. It has a thin, smooth skin that is dark purple in color, while the flesh features alternating layers of deep and light purple in a marbled pattern. The texture is firm yet not hard, with a fragrant aroma, tender and smooth mouthfeel without dryness, and a rich sweet aftertaste. The abundance of trace elements and anthocyanins gives the black potato its striking color and distinctive aroma, leaving a lingering, delightful flavor that keeps diners coming back for more.

　　In 2012, Pan County showcased the Four-Block Black Potato at the “2012 Guangdong-Guizhou Potato Industry Promotion Fair” in Guangdong, and also participated in the “2012 China Potato Conference,” both of which received high praise. Attendees were drawn to stop and sample the potatoes. The growing area of the Four-Block Black Potatoes is located at the foot of the beautiful Wumeng Grassland. Every year, the vast fields of black potato plants in bloom create a stunningly picturesque scene, which has since become another renowned tourist attraction in Pan County. Many visitors come specifically to admire the graceful swaying black potato blossoms and to see and taste the legendary Four-Block Black Potatoes in person.

　　The production area of the Four-Block Black Potato includes the following 19 administrative regions in Pan County, Guizhou Province: Sige Township, Pingdi Township, Pugu Township, Baoji Township, Hongguo Town, Pingguan Town, Huopu Town, Duanjiang Town, Panjiang Town, Minzhu Town, Dashan Town, Zhudong Township, Zhongyi Township, Machang Township, Huashi Township, Banqiao Town, Shuitang Town, Yangchang Township, and Niyi Township.

　　Pan County Local Standard: DB520222/03-2012 "Cultivation Technical Specifications for Four-Block Black Potatoes"