Zhao Su Garlic

Zhao Su Garlic

Zhao Su Garlic is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　All counties and cities in Ili Prefecture possess unique natural conditions ideal for garlic cultivation. Farmers of various ethnicities have a long history of growing garlic, with many varieties available. Ili garlic enjoys high renown both within and beyond the region. Zhao Su County is located in a mountain basin at the upper reaches of the Tekes River, characterized by a cool, moist climate. These naturally superior growing conditions are highly suitable for garlic growth. The history of garlic cultivation here is long-standing, having evolved from early home garden planting to today’s large-scale production. Over time, farmers of all ethnic groups have accumulated rich experience in garlic farming. In particular, the "Six-Petal Red" garlic grown in Zhao Su is a renowned local variety. The cultivation history of Zhao Su's "Six-Petal Red" garlic is extensive, with traditional household planting in villages such as Kaisike Village in Hongnaihai Township and Tuogelqin Village in Zhao Su Town before the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Known for its purplish-red skin, large bulbs, big cloves, and strong pungency, this garlic variety is composed of six cloves per bulb—hence the name "Six-Petal Red." Moreover, it has gained popularity in Ili and Urumqi due to its high yield, thin skin, plump and uniform cloves, strong cold resistance, excellent storability (bulbs can be stored for up to ten months, and mashed garlic remains fresh for several days), and has earned high acclaim. It is recognized as a premium national variety (see *High-Yield Garlic Cultivation*, Golden Shield Publishing House, July 2000 edition). Additionally, thanks to Zhao Su County’s cool climate, fresh air, fertile soil, and especially its richness in essential minerals for garlic growth such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, the garlic produced here is pollution-free and qualifies as a green food. The Zhao Su "Six-Petal Red" garlic won a National Gold Award at the 2004 National Agricultural Products Science and Technology Expo.

　　Region: Xinjiang

　　Applicant: Zhao Su County Agricultural Technology Extension Station

　　Region: 2013

　　Geographical Scope

　　Zhao Su County is under the direct jurisdiction of Ili Prefecture, located at the western end of the northern Tianshan Mountains, in the southwestern part of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, within the mountain basin at the upper reaches of the Tekes River in the Ili Valley. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the Tekes River runs east to west, forming a terrain of three mountains enclosing one basin. It borders Tekes County to the east, the Republic of Kazakhstan to the west, is separated by a mountain range from Baicheng County and Wensu County to the south, and neighbors Qapqal County to the north. The geographical indication protection area for Zhao Su Garlic covers nine townships and one town—including Zhao Su Town, Hongnaihai Township, Akdal Township, Wuzunbulake Township, Salkubu Township, Kashgar Township, Kalasu Township, Chahanwusu Mongolian Ethnic Township, Xiate Kirgiz Ethnic Township, and Hulsuntuharxun Mongolian Ethnic Township—as well as the Zhao Su Stud Farm and Zhao Su Horse Farm, totaling 73 villages. The geographical coordinates fall between 82°35′–82°50′ east longitude and 43°14′–43°38′ north latitude, with altitudes ranging from 1,300 meters to 6,995 meters. The protected area spans 2,000 hectares, with an annual total output reaching 30,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Zhao Su Garlic bulbs are nearly round, with pale purple skin, a horizontal diameter of 5–6 cm, a circumference of 15–20 cm, and an average weight of 50 g per bulb (up to 100 g for larger ones). Each bulb contains six cloves, averaging 6.8 g per clove, arranged in two layers with little size difference between inner and outer cloves. The cloves have a single layer of purplish-brown skin, are plump and neatly shaped, with thick, juicy flesh. When eaten raw, they are pungent with a strong garlic flavor and are highly resistant to storage and transport. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Zhao Su Garlic is nutritionally rich, containing Vitamin B1 (0.03–1.2 mg/100g), Vitamin B2 (0.01–0.07 mg/100g), Vitamin E (0.3–0.9 mg/100g), Protein (7.00–8.00 g/100g), Crude Fiber (0.69%–0.80%), Vitamin C (5.00–7.00 mg/100g), Niacin (0.3–0.7 mg/100g), Calories (600–750 kJ/100g), Calcium (130–155 mg/kg), Iron (5–15 mg/kg), Potassium (5,000–6,000 mg/kg), Phosphorus (1,300–1,700 mg/kg), Zinc (4–9 mg/kg), Sodium (15–23 mg/kg), Magnesium (270–320 mg/kg), Copper (0.5–1.2 mg/kg), Selenium (0.05–0.08 mg/kg), and Manganese (1.5–3.5 mg/kg). (3) Safety Requirements: The product complies with the NY 5227–2004 standard for Pollution-Free Food – Garlic.