Dafang Chili Peppers

Dafang Chili Peppers

　　Dafang chili peppers mainly include "wrinkled chilies," "chicken-claw chilies," and "thread chilies." Historically, they have been renowned as "Guizhou Wrinkled Chilies," "Tribute Chilies," and "Pride of Chilies." They are characterized by their thick flesh, bright red color, moderate spiciness, rich aroma, and high content of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, making them superior to chilies from other regions. Dafang chili peppers are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　The natural conditions in Dafang County, including its climate and soil, are highly suitable for chili cultivation, making it one of the 22 counties designated by the Ministry of Agriculture for large-scale chili production. Dafang chili peppers mainly include "wrinkled chilies," "chicken-claw chilies," and "thread chilies." Historically, they have been renowned as "Guizhou Wrinkled Chilies," "Tribute Chilies," and "Pride of Chilies." They are characterized by their thick flesh, bright red color, moderate spiciness, rich aroma, and high content of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The red pigment content ranges between 2.5% and 3.0%, making them superior to chilies from other regions. They have long been sold to surrounding counties, cities, provinces, and regions along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Since the 1950s, they have been exported to countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, as well as to Hong Kong and Macau, holding a significant share and unique advantages in both domestic and international markets.

　　　　 Dafang County is abundant in chili production. Wrinkled chilies, also known as chicken-claw chilies or thread chilies, are a traditional specialty of Dafang County in Guizhou, among which the chicken-claw chilies from Jichang Township in Dafang are the most famous. Most of the soil in Jichang Township is highly suitable for growing wrinkled chilies, and local farmers have a long-standing tradition and accumulated experience in cultivation. The chicken-claw chilies sold by the shop owner’s husband are specially purchased by driving directly to Jichang Township in Dafang. These chilies are high in vitamin C, bright red in color, long in shape with many wrinkles, thick-fleshed, and known for their strong aroma and moderate spiciness, making them an excellent condiment. The well-known Lao Gan Ma brand chili series in Guiyang, China, uses Dafang chicken-claw chilies as its main ingredient. They have always been popular in Southeast Asian countries and are quite competitive in the international market.

　　　　Since entering the international market in 1956, the annual export volume has been around 500 tons. In 1984, the foreign trade department of Guizhou Province requested Dafang to increase the production of wrinkled chilies that meet export standards to meet foreign trade demand. In recent years, wrinkled chilies have been in short supply, with many merchants coming directly to Dafang to purchase them. The county's main chili-producing areas are Jichang, Lihua, and Shuangshan townships, with an annual output of about 1,500 tons.