Lizhou Prickly Ash

Lizhou Prickly Ash

　　Prickly ash belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a deciduous shrub. Its fruit is rich in volatile oils such as citral and geraniol, as well as fats and unsaturated organic acids. It boasts a unique and intense aromatic fragrance, with a lasting numbing spiciness. The fruit serves both as a culinary spice and a medicinal ingredient. Lizhou's prickly ash is mainly produced in towns such as Leiba, Longlin, Jiangkou, and Zhongba. The main varieties include "Youjiao" (Oil Pepper), "Dahongpao" (Big Red Robe), "Qiyuejiao" (July Pepper), "Yangmaojiao" (Woolly Pepper), and "Bayuejiao" (August Pepper), among which "Youjiao" and "Dahongpao" are considered the finest. Dahongpao generally has larger fruits with bright red skins, and when dried, they appear yellow inside and red or light red outside. Youjiao produces large fruits with deep red skins, abundant oil content, heavy weight, and a rich fragrance, free from harsh or pungent odors — making it the finest among all types of prickly ash. The product sells well both domestically and internationally.