Hetao Sunflowers

Hetao Sunflowers

Hetao sunflowers are a product with geographical indication status.

　　      Hetao sunflowers have a long history of cultivation. Before the founding of the People’s Republic of China, they were sporadically planted in rural areas as dye sunflowers, used to color homespun cloth, but were rarely consumed. With the development of the chemical industry, dye sunflowers gradually disappeared and were replaced by edible varieties. Before the 1970s, sunflowers in the Hetao region were mostly grown sporadically around houses, along field edges, and on terraces. In 1972, the Bayannur Agricultural Research Institute planted 47 mu of sunflowers on heavily saline-alkali land, yielding 98.2 kg per mu. In the same year, Xinyong Brigade of Sizhi Commune and Hongxing No. 2 Team of Hongxing Commune in Hangjinhou Banner also planted 1,700 mu on similar land, yielding 75 kg per mu. In 1973, the Inner Mongolia Agricultural Research Institute planted 100 mu on abandoned farmland in Yingsheng No. 3 Team, Langshan Commune, Linhe District, yielding 65 kg per mu. The Hetao Irrigation District of Bayannur City began large-scale planting in 1972. Between 1973 and 1974, Linhe and Hanghou districts planted a total of 18,000 mu (29,600 mu citywide). In 1975, the citywide area reached 34,900 mu, with a yield of 51 kg per mu and a total output of 1,785,000 kg. In 1978, with the implementation of rural economic policies, Hetao sunflower production expanded rapidly, evolving from sole cropping to intercropping. In 1979, there were 90,000 mu of sole crops and 80,000 mu of intercrops, totaling 170,000 mu. In 1980, the area of Hetao sunflowers surged to 620,000 mu, including 307,500 mu of sole crops, with a total output of 47,737,000 kg. To increase per-unit yield, intercropping systems combining oilseed and grain or forage (such as wheat with sunflowers, or sunflowers with sweet clover) were gradually expanded on the basis of sole cropping. This increased farmers' income and improved soil fertility. By 1981, the city’s total sunflower area reached 674,800 mu, including 318,000 mu of sole crops and 356,800 mu of intercrops. In 1985, the area grew to 1,158,000 mu, with intercropped and sole-cropped areas being roughly equal, averaging a yield of 1,615,000 kg per mu and a total output of 186,960,000 kg. Since the mid-1970s, agricultural authorities have organized relevant institutions to actively develop Hetao sunflower production, breed and introduce high-quality oilseed sunflower varieties, expand planting areas, enhance technological extension, improve farming conditions, and increase material inputs. As a result, both the production level and capacity of sunflowers have steadily risen, giving rise to local brands. “Hetao Sandao Mei” and “Xinghuo Flower Sunflower” enjoyed nationwide fame and entered the international market in the 1990s. Sunflowers have become one of the pillar industries in Bayannur’s development. Currently, Bayannur City plants sunflowers on 2,400,000 mu, with an average yield of 250 kg per mu. The industry accounts for one-third of the total output value of crop farming, playing a leading role in increasing farmers' income and establishing the city as a major sourcing region for numerous sunflower processing enterprises both in China and abroad.

　　      Sunflowers are the most extensively planted and widely cultivated oil crop in Bayannur League. There are two types of sunflowers grown in the region: edible varieties, locally called flower sunflowers, and oilseed varieties, known as oil sunflowers. Oil sunflowers have thin hulls, plump kernels, high oil content, and are the main raw material for oil production. They yield about 150 million kg annually, with an oil content of around 40%. Flower sunflowers have larger, easier-to-shell kernels and a lower oil content than oil sunflowers. When processed into spiced or multi-flavored seeds, they are highly popular as a snack, with an annual output of 100 million kg. (Linhe)

　　Geographic Scope

　　      Bayannur City is located in the northern frontier of China, in the western part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It borders Baotou City and Ulanqab City to the east, Alxa League and Wuhai City to the west, faces Ordos City across the Yellow River to the south, and adjoins the Mongolian People’s Republic to the north. The city stretches 278 km from east to west and 238 km from north to south, with elevations ranging between 1,000 and 1,800 meters. Its geographical coordinates are between 105°12′ and 109°53′ east longitude, and 40°13′ and 42°28′ north latitude. The total area of the city is 65,551 square kilometers. The protected geographical indication area for Hetao sunflowers covers seven banners, counties, and districts under Bayannur City’s jurisdiction, including 40 sums and townships, and 601 gachas (villages). The total planting area is 133,333.33 hectares, with an annual output of 440,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Appearance and Sensory Features: Hetao sunflowers feature tall, robust stems and well-developed root systems, making them resistant to lodging, waterlogging, and nutrient-rich environments. Their seeds are large, round, smooth, shiny, uniformly colored, plump, with few empty shells, and high-yielding. 2. Intrinsic Quality: The kernels of Hetao sunflowers contain 41.2g of fat per 100g, 6.06g of oleic acid, and 8.38g of linoleic acid per 100g. They offer a pure, fragrant, crispy taste without greasiness. The sunflower oil extracted from them is rich in nutrients, especially linoleic acid, earning it the reputation of a “healthy oil” or “longevity oil.” Its linoleic acid content far exceeds that of common market oils such as rapeseed, corn, and soybean oils, making it a premium-grade oil. It is believed to help replenish deficiencies, reduce blood lipids and blood pressure, protect vascular elasticity, and even has anti-cancer properties. 3. Safety Requirements: The production of Hetao sunflowers strictly adheres to pollution-free agricultural product standards. Hygiene follows the 2715BI standard, pesticide use complies with NY/T393-2000 standards, fertilizer application adheres to NY/T394-2000 standards, and all practices comply with the regulations of the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law.