Niuchang Chili

Niuchang Chili

Niuchang Chili is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Chili peppers were introduced to China from the Americas in the late Ming Dynasty, but initially they were used only as ornamental plants and medicinal ingredients. In the early Qing Dynasty, Guizhou and its neighboring regions were the first areas to begin consuming chili. In salt-scarce Guizhou, during the Kangxi era (1662–1722), “local ethnic groups used it as a salt substitute,” where chili served the role of salt. This shows how closely it became tied to daily life. Since most parts of Guizhou have high humidity, eating chili helps to dispel dampness. Therefore, starting from the Qianlong era (1736–1795), chili consumption became widespread in Guizhou. By the Qianlong period, neighboring Yunnan’s Zhenxiong and Hunan’s Chenzhou Prefecture to the east of Guizhou also began consuming chili. After the Jiaqing era (1796–1820), chili cultivation spread across Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, and Jiangxi. Records from the Jiaqing period mention that Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, and Sichuan had already started “growing it as a vegetable.” During the Tongzhi era, the popular cornmeal dish was often paired with tofu pudding, and the dipping sauce was made by soaking salt blocks with chili — a habit that continues today with chili-based dips. The Liuzhi Niuchang area has a long history of chili farming. After harvest, locals hang bright red strings of chilies in front of and behind their homes, under eaves, by windows, and near doors as a symbol of celebration, affectionately referred to as “money strings” by locals. On the first day of the Miao New Year, villagers burn chili under flower poles to pray for a good year; they sew red chilies onto children’s hats and baskets as charms for longevity and to ward off evil; they use chili to combat colds and cure the flu: drink a bowl of spicy and sour soup, wrap up in a blanket, sweat profusely, and the symptoms will vanish. In the Liupanshui region, when people talk about chili, Niuchang Chili is always the first to come up. The area's famous chili banquet is excellent in color, aroma, and taste. Writers even liken Niuchang Chili to the “Phoenix of Fire.”

　　Niuchang Chili has a long cultivation history and unique local characteristics. Not only does it feature a bright color, large size, and thick flesh, but it also offers an aromatic flavor and rich nutrition. According to analysis by the Biochemical Nutrition Research Institute of Guizhou University, Niuchang Chili contains 15–29% crude protein, 9% vitamin B, 1.09% vitamin C, 0.79% vitamin E, 8.66% iron, 87.42% calcium, 1.43% zinc, 27.37% total sugar, 14.33% fat, 20.36% crude fiber, as well as 17 essential amino acids required by the human body. Long-term consumption not only aids digestion but can also treat deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements, and may help with weight loss. Niuchang Chili enjoys widespread acclaim in cities within the province such as Shuicheng, Bijie, Anshun, and Guiyang. It has also been well received by consumers at exhibitions in Zhanjiang, Hainan, Dalian, and Beijing. Even overseas Chinese who tried it have written letters requesting purchases. China Central Television once invited our township to help with advertising, and out-of-town merchants are particularly fond of Niuchang Chili. Currently, the Niuchang Township plants 3,000 acres of chili annually, producing over 600,000 pounds of dried chili. The income derived from chili contributes approximately 250 yuan per farmer, making up about 25% of their total income. It is a major pillar and specialty product of the township. With support from leaders and related departments at all levels, Niuchang Township is currently conducting chili variety improvement trials, aiming to further expand planting scale, connect with well-known domestic and international enterprises, build the Niuchang Chili brand, strengthen this distinctive industry, and create conditions for developing the Niuchang economy and building a new socialist countryside.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic scope of Niuchang Chili includes: Xinglong Village, Qingjiao Village, Yunpan Village, Niuchang Village, Jianyan Village, Qianzhong Village, Daqing Village, Huangping Village, and Pingzhai Village in Niuchang Township; Xinchang Village, Wuliuyu Village, Laoyanzi Village, Baiguo Village, and Cangjiao Village in Xinchang Township; Pingzhai Village, Gaoxing Village, Anzhu Village, Shunli Village, and Zhongzhai Village in Suoga Township. The geographical coordinates are: longitude 105°13′–105°19′, latitude 26°27′–26°31′, stretching 14 km from east to west and 11 km from north to south. It borders Zhijin County to the east, Shuicheng County to the west, Nayong County to the north, and Xinchang Township of Liuzhi District to the south. The growing area spans 150 square kilometers. The planted area of Niuchang Chili covers 40,000 mu (approximately 2,667 hectares), with an annual yield of 600,000 kg.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　External Sensory Features: The fruit is relatively large, with a mid-diameter of around 2.7 cm, a length of about 12 cm, and a weight of approximately 2.0 g. It has thick flesh, thin skin, and a bright red color. Internal Quality Indicators: Niuchang Chili from Liuzhi offers a moderate level of spiciness and a fragrant taste. Analysis by the Guizhou Provincial Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Testing Center shows that it is rich in nutrients, containing abundant amino acids and various beneficial mineral elements, as well as a high level of crude fiber. Specifically, it contains 5.4–6.2% (g/100g) amino acids, 28.48–34.20% crude fiber, 4,200–4,900 mg/kg phosphorus, 1,594–1,850 mg/kg magnesium, 560–800 mg/kg calcium, 75.35–82.00 mg/kg iron, 22,800–23,000 mg/kg potassium, 218–260 mg/kg zinc, 4.5–5.1 mg/100g vitamin C, 0.22–0.30 mg/100g vitamin A, and capsaicin content ranging between 680–720 mg/kg, surpassing chilies from other regions. The production of Niuchang Chili strictly follows the standards of NY5229-2004 “Pollution-Free Dried Chili” and DB52/T462-2004 “Guizhou High-Quality Dried Chili.”