Fuping Qijiao

Fuping Qijiao

　　Fuping Qijiao is a specialty of Gongli Town in Fuping County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. The Qijiao peppercorns from Gongli in Fuping feature large clusters, abundant grains, thick skins, rich flesh, vibrant color, strong aroma, and moderate spiciness. It is an important seasoning ingredient for food, an essential condiment for cooking delicious dishes, known for enhancing flavor, boosting freshness, eliminating fishy or gamey tastes.

　　Gongli Town in Fuping County, Shaanxi Province is divided into northern mountainous areas and southern plateau regions by the Donggan Canal. The eight villages north of the canal are at high altitudes with ample sunlight and significant temperature variations. Local residents have long had the habit of planting Sichuan peppercorn, mainly the "Qijiao" variety, which boasts deep color, rich aroma, and a spicy yet refreshing taste, making it highly favored by consumers. In recent years, the town’s Party Committee and government have adjusted the local agricultural structure according to actual conditions and adapted to local circumstances, implementing initiatives such as returning farmland to forest. As a result, the total area planted with Sichuan peppercorn has exceeded 20,000 mu, with an annual production of approximately over 2 million jin (around 1,000 metric tons). A peppercorn trading market has been established on Leicun Street to strengthen management and provide services. During the peppercorn harvest season, the market bustles with activity day and night, with a constant flow of vehicles transporting peppercorns. Pepper farmers from villages such as Leicun, Danggou, Goubei, Zhuangke, and Qianjin in Gongli Town, as well as surrounding towns and villages including Baimiao, Caocun, and Zhuangli, all come to trade here, leading to lively and active market exchanges.