Zhaosu Potatoes

Zhaosu Potatoes

Zhaosu Potatoes are a geographical indication certification trademark.

Zhaosu Potatoes are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Zhaosu Potatoes are a geographical indication certification trademark. They are produced in Zhaosu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Known for their large size, thin skin, shallow eyes, long storage life, and rich nutrition.

　　The county has optimal conditions for potato production. First, Zhaosu County is situated in the Tekes River basin, part of the upper Ili River in Xinjiang. It is a high-altitude basin covering an area of 11,200 square kilometers, far from sandstorms and dust, and is the only county in Xinjiang without any desert areas. With low annual accumulated temperature and a frost-free period of less than 90 days, Zhaosu experiences long winters, no real summers, and connected spring and autumn seasons. It has a continental temperate mountainous semi-arid to semi-humid cool climate, which is ideal for growing potatoes and similar crops.

　　Secondly, due to the cool and moist climate and fertile, loose soil, the local black soil—classified as high-quality chernozem and dark chestnut soil—is rich in organic matter, highly arable, and fertile. It is one of the best soils for potato cultivation, allowing for growth without the need for additional chemical fertilizers.

　　Thirdly, Zhaosu County has a long history of potato farming. All 10 towns, 2 horse farms, and 4 regimental farms and pastures in the county have a tradition of growing potatoes. Potatoes have become an important source of increased income for local farmers and herders, as well as a renowned local specialty. As a result, the potatoes from this region are notable for their large size and high starch content, making them highly sought after in the market.

　　Zhaosu County in Xinjiang has uniquely favorable conditions for potato production, and its multi-ethnic farming and herding communities have a long history of cultivating potatoes. The potatoes produced here won a national gold award at the Agricultural Products Expo in 2005.

　　With continuous adjustments and optimization of the county’s crop planting structure, potato cultivation has expanded significantly, delivering evident economic benefits and promising market prospects. In 2006, potato planting reached 30,000 mu (approximately 2,000 hectares), increasing per capita income among growers by 120 yuan. In 2004, the Desheng starch processing company set up operations in Zhaosu, accelerating the formation of a "company + base + farmer" industrial chain. Today, potato cultivation has evolved from “one village, one product” to “one township, one industry.” Potatoes have not only become the “flagship product” that helps local farmers and herders prosper, but also a pillar industry for this remote county to develop its distinctive economy and establish itself as a “Potato County.”

　　Geographical Scope

　　Zhaosu County is under the direct jurisdiction of Ili Prefecture. It is located at the western end of the northern Tianshan Mountains, in the southwestern part of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, within the mountain basin of the upper Tekes River in the Ili Valley. To the east, Zhaosu borders Tekes County; to the south, Wensu and Baicheng counties; to the north, Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County; and to the west, it connects with Kazakhstan (with a border line over 200 kilometers long). To the southwest, it neighbors Kyrgyzstan. The protected geographical indication area for Zhaosu Potatoes as an agricultural product includes eight townships, two towns, and two farms: Zhaosu Town, Kaxgar Town, Hongnaihai Township, Akdal Township, Wuzunbulake Township, and others, totaling 73 administrative villages. The geographical coordinates fall between 82°35′ to 82°50′ east longitude and 43°14′ to 43°38′ north latitude, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,900 meters. The protected area spans 3,333 hectares, with an annual total output of 125,000 metric tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Zhaosu Potatoes are generally flat-round or oval in shape. Their skin is thin, slightly rough, undamaged, large, and uniform in size, with individual potatoes weighing up to 500–1,000 grams. They have yellow skin and yellow flesh. Compared to other vegetables, their eyes are relatively deep, and starch begins to seep out from the cut surface within five minutes of slicing. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Zhaosu Potatoes are commonly used for making starch products. They contain 26–30% dry matter, 15–20 g/100g of starch, 60–100 mg/kg of calcium, 1.3–1.8 g/100g of protein, 50–78 mg/100g of vitamin C, and 0.15–0.2 g/100g of reducing sugar. 3. Quality and Safety Requirements: The quality of Zhaosu Potatoes complies with the standards of NY/T 1049-2015 "Green Food – Tuber and Root Vegetables."