Ningqiang Huaxixin

Ningqiang Huaxixin

Ningqiang Huaxixin is a geographical indication protected product.

　　Quality and Technical Requirements for Ningqiang Huaxixin

　　 I. Source

　　Huaxixin (Asarum sieboldii Miq.).

　　 II. Growing Conditions

　　Altitude within the production area ranges from 700m to 1500m, on slopes ≤11°, with soil types being humus soil and sandy loam, organic matter content ≥2.0%, and soil pH value between 5.0 and 6.5.

　　III. Cultivation and Management

　　1. Sowing: Manual sowing is carried out from early July to early August, with plant and row spacing of 8cm to 10cm, sowing depth of 2.5cm to 3.0cm, and the seedbed surface covered after sowing.

　　2. Transplanting: Transplanting is done from March to April of the year following seedling cultivation, with raised beds 20cm to 25cm high and 100cm to 120cm wide, and planting rows spaced 20cm to 30cm apart and plants spaced 10cm to 15cm apart.

　　3. Field Management:

　　(1) Shading: Set up shading shelters. For seedlings, use shading nets with 14% to 18% light transmittance; for later stages, plant under forest canopies or use shading nets with 50% to 60% light transmittance.

　　(2) Drainage: Dig drainage ditches around the planting area, 30cm to 35cm wide and 20cm to 25cm deep.

　　4. Environmental and Safety Requirements: The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other substances must comply with national regulations, and environmental pollution must be avoided.

　　IV. Harvesting and Processing

　　Harvest after 5 to 6 years of cultivation in late May, tie every 10 plants into a bundle, and air-dry in a cool, ventilated place.

　　V. Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory Characteristics: Rhizomes are gray-brown, cross-sections are yellow-white or white, with a pungent aroma, spicy taste, and tongue-numbing sensation.

　　2. Physicochemical Indicators: Volatile oil content ≥2.0%, asarinin content ≥0.2%, aristolochic acid I content ≤0.001%.

　　3. Safety and Other Quality Technical Requirements: Product safety and other quality technical requirements must comply with national regulations.

　　Shaanxi Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Ningqiang Huaxixin, Administrative regions of 21 towns and townships currently under the jurisdiction of Ningqiang County, Shaanxi Province: Hanyuan Town, Gaozaizi Town, Da’an Town, Daijiaba Town, Yangpingguan Town, Yanzipian Town, Guangping Town, Qingmuchuan Town, Maobah River Town, Tiesuoguan Town, Hujiaba Town, Bashan Town, Shujia Town, Miaoba Town, Gongjiahe Town, Taiyangling Town, Cangshe Town, Juting Town, Anleh River Town, Chanjiayan Town, and Erlangba Town. “Letter from the People’s Government of Ningqiang County on Delineating the Protection Scope of the Geographical Indication Product ‘Ningqiang Huaxixin’”, Ning Zheng Han [2012] No. 29. Hanzhong Local Standard: DB6107/T03-2009 “Ningqiang Huaxixin Standard Composite”.