Changbai Mountain Schisandra

Changbai Mountain Schisandra

Changbai Mountain Schisandra is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Schisandra berries are named for their fruits that possess five distinct flavors—sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and salty—and are categorized into northern and southern types. Li Shizhen noted, “Schisandra today is divided into northern and southern varieties; the southern ones are red in color, while the northern ones are black. For tonic medicine, the northern variety is definitely superior.” Northern schisandra, also known as mountain pepper, is a perennial climbing vine of the Magnoliaceae family, known for its cold resistance, preference for cool, shady, and humid environments, and thriving in soil rich in humus. The Changbai Mountain region has an average annual temperature of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius, annual precipitation of 700–900 millimeters, moist and fertile soil with good drainage—all of which provide an ideal natural environment for the growth of northern schisandra. As a result, it is a renowned specialty of the Changbai Mountain area.

　　The protected geographical indication production area for Changbai Mountain Schisandra includes the following 28 administrative regions currently under jurisdiction: Changbai County, Jingyu County, Fusong County, Linjiang City, Jiangyuan District of Baishan City, Badaojiang District of Baishan City, Ji’an City, Tonghua County, Huinan County, Meihekou City, Liuhe County, Dongchang District of Tonghua City, Erdaojiang District of Tonghua City, Huadian City, Jiaohe City, Yongji County, Shulan City, Panshi City, Wangqing County, Antu County, Dunhua City, Helong City, Hunchun City, Yanji City, Longjing City, as well as Chibu District, Xixi District, and Xinan District of the Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Zone Administrative Committee.