Leye Chili

Leye Chili

Leye Chili is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Leye Chili is a product certified with geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Leye Chili is a local dried chili variety grown in specific production areas of Huize County. It gets its name from its origin in the Leye Valley and boasts a long cultivation history as well as large-scale planting. According to *Historical Materials of Huize*, “In the eastern part of Huize County, there is the meandering Leye River, stretching nearly 100 li. The river water is crystal clear, and the land on both banks is fertile, with a mild climate—this is the Leye Valley, known for its abundant chili production.” In 1983, Leye Chili was awarded a certificate of merit by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade at the Beijing Export Achievement Exhibition. In 2007, Huize County was honored by the organizing committee of the China (Changsha) International Chili Industry Expo as the “Hometown of Chinese Chili” and one of the “Top 100 Chinese Chili Counties,” while Leye Town was named the “No. 1 Chili Town in China.” The “Yongxiong” brand Leye Chili, produced by Huize Yongxiong Chili Development Co., Ltd., was awarded “Gold Award” and “Special Recommended Product” at the expo. Additionally, Qin Guangrong, then Governor of Yunnan Province, inscribed the phrase “Huize Chilies Sold Worldwide” at the chili expo.

　　The Leye Township in Huize has a long history of cultivating Leye Chili. The chilies are large, thick-fleshed, rich in flavor, bright red, smooth-skinned, and vibrant in color, with high oil and vitamin content, numerous seeds, and a mildly spicy, aromatic taste. In 1989, superior varieties were promoted and standardized cultivation techniques were implemented. Using Leye Chili as the main ingredient, locally distinctive spicy products were developed, including three main products: original packaging chili, crushed chili powder, and chili rings. These won a silver award from the National Ministry of Light Industry. The products were exported to Myanmar, Thailand, Hong Kong, Beijing, Hunan, Guizhou, and other regions. In 2000, chili cultivation in Leye Township covered 5,400 mu, with the total output value of chili in the township reaching 4.095 million yuan.

　　Leye Chili

　　Geographic Scope

　　Leye Chili is mainly distributed within Huize County, covering five township areas: Leye, Yiche, Jinzhou, Zhehai, and Huohong. Its geographical coordinates are: latitude 26°29′–26°47′ N, longitude 103°22′–103°37′ E. It stretches 33 km from north to south and 27 km from east to west, with a planting area of 6,667 hectares and an annual yield of 18,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Fruit shape: Length 10–19 cm, flesh thickness 0.1–0.2 cm, average single fruit weight 5–12 g. The fruit is long and horn-shaped, with a smooth surface, gradually tapering and slightly curved tip, vibrant color, glossy red and oily appearance, and transparent look. The exterior is smooth, and mature fruits are bright red or deep red. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Leye Chili features a bright, glossy red color, pure and moderate spiciness, and rich nutritional value. Per 100 grams of chili product, the vitamin C content is ≥ 150 mg, capsaicin content is ≥ 26.6 mg, and crude fiber content is ≥ 24.5%. (3) Safety Requirements: The quality of Leye Chili meets the requirements of the Yunnan Provincial Local Standards: DB53/T 254-2008 *Leye Chili Production Technical Regulations* and DB53/T 255-2008 *Leye Chili Dried Chili*.