Ji'an Bian Tiao Ginseng

Ji'an Bian Tiao Ginseng

Ji'an Bian Tiao Ginseng is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Ji'an Bian Tiao Ginseng is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　A type of ginseng, now mainly produced in Ji’an City, Jilin Province, belonging to the "long neck rhizome" variety. It grows relatively slowly and is typically harvested after 8–12 years of cultivation. Ginseng cultivation in Ji’an has a history of over 400 years and was one of the main production areas for tribute ginseng during the mid-Qing Dynasty. By the late Qing Dynasty, garden ginseng from the Xinkai River basin had reached significant scale, gaining domestic fame and international acclaim. Ji’an garden ginseng is divided into two types: Bian Tiao (edge-strip) ginseng and regular ginseng, with Bian Tiao ginseng being the predominant variety. Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng is a premium-quality, beautifully shaped ginseng treasure, cultivated through unique techniques developed by the people of Ji’an based on conventional cultivation methods and long-term practical experience. During its production, Bian Tiao ginseng undergoes two transplantations, known as the "two-turn system," representing a distinctive cultivation technology employed under specific soil and climatic conditions using selected ginseng varieties. Each transplantation involves strict seedling selection, twice-trimmed rootlets for shaping, and transplantation in graded sections. After growing for 6–8 years, the harvested ginseng features long rootlets, beautiful shape, round shoulders, round rhizomes, and a striking human-like form. As the root of the Panax ginseng plant (Araliaceae family), its stems, leaves, flowers, and berries are also used medicinally. It tastes sweet with slight bitterness, has a warm nature, and is known for greatly replenishing vitality, strengthening the heart and consolidating collapse, calming the nerves, and promoting fluid production. It is used to treat conditions such as collapse, heart failure, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, cold limbs, palpitations, and chronic illness-induced weakness or neurasthenia. The seedling stage of Bian Tiao ginseng lasts 3 years, the intermediate stage 2 years, and the productive stage 2–3 years—known as the "three-two-two" or "three-two-three" system. Due to its complex management and cultivation techniques and higher input costs, the state-set purchase price for Bian Tiao ginseng in the 1980s was often more than double that of regular ginseng.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Ginseng fields located within the Xinkai River basin in the northern mountainous region of Ji’an City, Jilin Province, part of the Changbai Mountain range. This includes Taishang Town, Huadian Town, Caiyuan Town, Qinghe Town, and Toutao Town. The geographical coordinates are between 125°36′–126°09′ east longitude and 41°07′–41°36′ north latitude, at an altitude of 400–700 meters. The specific area extends east to Liujia Garden in Qinghe Town, south to Sanyang Gully in Taishang Town, west to Jiayi Village in Caiyuan Town, and north to Lazigou Village in Toutao Town. The total production area is 1,500 hectares, with an annual output of 3,000 tons.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography:

　　① Parent Rock. The mountain strata are one of the essential foundational elements contributing to the authenticity of Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng. The sloped fields used for cultivating Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng are developed from sandy or clay-rich soils with abundant humus, originating from parent rocks such as granite, granite schist, mica schist, siliceous rock, and basalt.

　　② Soil. Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng is grown in soils derived from the weathering of granite, mica schist, siliceous rock, and basalt—particularly those weathered from granite and gneiss, which are superior. These soils contain high levels of quartz, mica, and silicon, feature loose texture, good water permeability, air permeability, and nutrient retention, and lie adjacent to bedrock layers. They are forest gray-brown soils or forest dark brown soils with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5 and approximately 20% sand content.

　　(2) Hydrology: Rivers in Ji’an belong to the Yalu River system. The mountains, rivers, and streams of Ji’an City (excluding the Yalu River)...

　　The multi-year average annual rainfall is 924.2 mm; the city’s total water resources amount to 1.765 billion cubic meters. Based on an 80% retention rate, the runoff can be maintained at 1.412 billion cubic meters. The usable surface water resources are 870 million cubic meters, and the total available water resources (including groundwater) are 1.124 billion cubic meters.

　　(3) Climate: Ji’an generally has a temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct seasons, cool temperatures, abundant rainfall, and ample sunshine. The annual average temperature is 7.5°C, with a maximum of 37°C and a minimum of -29.6°C. Annual rainfall ranges from 800–1,000 mm, the frost-free period is 140–160 days, the annual average sunshine duration is 2,228.2 hours, and the ≥10°C active accumulated temperature averages 3,208°C per year.

　　(4) Humanistic History: Research confirms that the cultivation history of Ji’an garden ginseng dates back to the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, around 1522 AD (when the Manchus were still in tribal times), making it at least 480 years old. By the end of the Shunzhi era and early Kangxi era, cultivation had reached considerable levels. Particularly notable is the uniquely shaped and high-quality Bian Tiao ginseng, renowned both in China and abroad. Cultivation began around 1662, the first year of the Kangxi reign, and has continued for over 350 years. By 1840 (the 20th year of the Daoguang reign), new ginseng farms appeared in the lower reaches of the Xinkai River and the Weisha River basin, along with several large-scale ginseng gardens, establishing the area as one of the main tribute ginseng production regions during the mid-Qing Dynasty. By the late Qing Dynasty, garden ginseng from the Xinkai River basin had reached significant scale, gaining domestic fame and international acclaim. Ji’an garden ginseng is divided into two types: Bian Tiao ginseng and regular ginseng, with Bian Tiao ginseng being the predominant variety. The origin of Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng is nearly 100 years later than that of general Ji’an ginseng cultivation. It is a premium-quality, beautifully shaped ginseng treasure, cultivated through unique techniques developed by the people of Ji’an based on conventional cultivation methods and long-term practical experience. During its production, Bian Tiao ginseng undergoes two transplantations—the "two-turn system"—a distinctive cultivation technology employed under specific soil and climatic conditions using selected ginseng varieties. Each transplantation involves strict seedling selection, twice-trimmed rootlets for shaping, and transplantation in graded sections. After growing for 6–8 years, the harvested ginseng features long rootlets, beautiful shape, round shoulders, round rhizomes, and a striking human-like form. The ingenious method of reversing ginseng during cultivation reflects the ancestors of Ji’an’s deep understanding of ginseng growth habits...

　　...as well as their comprehensive application of techniques related to soil and ecological environment selection and management. Historical records indicate that it was already in use by the 1660s (before 1662, the first year of the Kangxi reign). At that time, people collected wild ginseng seeds, sowed them in shaded mountain slopes near their dwellings, carefully cultivated them, and then implemented the secondary transplantation method. Through repeated propagation and mutual introduction, cultivation spread. Subsequently, new ginseng farms emerged in the upper reaches of the Xinkai River basin (now Dongsheng, Dongming, Huangwei Zi, Xing’an, and other areas), marking the origin of the unique cultivation method of Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng. In May 1979, the National Ginseng Production Symposium, organized by the Ministry of Health and the State Pharmaceutical Administration, was held in Ji’an County, Jilin Province.

　　Based on the historical facts presented, the symposium officially confirmed that Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng originally grew in Jixian County (now Ji’an City), refuting claims of introduction from Shizhugou. It validated the long-standing unique lineage of Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng and established quality standards, pricing, and purchasing criteria for commercial ginseng. Additionally, the State Pharmaceutical Administration, Price Bureau, and Ministry of Health jointly issued the "Notice on Ginseng Commodity Specifications and Purchasing Prices." Over the years, compared to ginseng market prices nationally, Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng generally commands a price premium of 5–30 RMB/kg depending on quality grading, higher than other domestic production areas.

　　Production Technical Requirements

　　(1) Origin Selection and Special Provisions: Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng production bases should be established on mountain slopes below 25°, with slopes of 10–25° being most suitable, preferably facing east, southeast, or northeast. The parent rock should be granite, granite schist, mica schist, siliceous rock, or basalt, with the resulting forest gray-brown or forest dark brown soils having a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5 and approximately 20% sand content. Surrounding vegetation should primarily consist of broadleaf or mixed coniferous-broadleaf forests such as oak, linden, maple, and oak.

　　(2) Variety Selection and Specific Requirements: The primary cultivar for Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng is "Er Ma Ya" (Two Horse Sprout), with a required length of 18–24 cm, free of disease scars, well-developed in sap content, complete in rootlets and rhizomes, and uniform in stem size.

　　(3) Production Process Management, Including Special Regulations on Agricultural Inputs: Seed Treatment: Both spring and autumn sowings require seed germination promotion. Seeds are mixed evenly with moist sand and stored with humidity maintained, undergoing 3–4 months of alternating day and night temperatures of 20–12°C to allow embryo growth and seed cracking—this stage is called the morphological after-ripening phase. This is followed by 2–3 months of storage at around 5°C to complete the physiological after-ripening phase before the seeds can sprout. Transplantation: In the Bian Tiao ginseng region, the main cultivar is the farmer variety Er Ma Ya. The soil is sandy with fast water infiltration, the climate is warm, and ginseng roots tend to grow downward easily. During transplantation, "shaping and rootlet trimming" is performed—that is, all lateral and fine rootlets on the seedling are pinched off, leaving only two long, thick lateral roots at the base, which will later develop into two “legs,” giving the root a human-like aesthetic. Since Er Ma Ya grows slower than Da Ma Ya, to improve the grade of Bian Tiao ginseng, seedlings are dug up after two years of transplantation, and those not meeting Bian Tiao standards are processed, while well-shaped, disease-free ones are replanted for another two years and "rootlet-trimmed for shaping." Post-transplantation, they do not rot—a characteristic of the Bian Tiao ginseng region. Regular ginseng, however, will rot if rootlets are trimmed. Therefore, they are not trimmed. Shade Shed Construction: Ginseng cultivation requires shading sheds, typically maintaining 15%–30% light transmission. Fertilization: Ginseng relies mainly on base fertilizer, and applying more organic fertilizer improves soil quality. Topdressing should be applied early, and fertilizers must be fully decomposed to avoid fertilizer damage.

　　(4) Product Harvesting and Post-Harvest Processing Regulations: Harvesting is generally carried out in mid-September (from Bailu to Autumn Equinox). Harvesting and processing should occur simultaneously to prevent fresh ginseng from accumulating, losing juice, and affecting processing quality. Remove the shade shed, dig up the bed edges, and carefully dig from the head of the bed to extract the roots cleanly without damaging them or breaking the rootlets. Shake off soil and transport to the processing facility.

　　(5) Production Record Requirements: Carefully document production conditions, pest and disease occurrences, technical measures, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

　　Typical Quality Characteristics and Product Quality Safety Standards

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng is distinctly characterized by long rhizomes, long body, tough skin, deep wrinkles, beautiful shape, and large stem heads. (See Table 1)

　　Table 1: Ji’an Bian Tiao Ginseng Sensory Indicators

　　Grade Specification                                                                                               极长、体长、皮老、纹深、形美、枝头大等明显特点。

　　Table 1 Sensory indicators of Bian Tiao Ginseng from Jian

　　Grade/Specification Indicator

　　Grade 1 (3 pieces)　Long cylindrical shape, with long stems, bodies, and legs. The distance from the base of the stem scar to the branching point is over 9 cm, featuring 2–3 evenly thick branches. All stem whiskers are intact, with plump and rich ginseng sap. Free from scars, rust spots, burnt whiskers, or impurities.

　　Grade 2 (4 pieces)　Long cylindrical shape, with long stems, bodies, and legs. The distance from the base of the stem scar to the branching point is over 8.5 cm, featuring 2–3 evenly thick branches. All stem whiskers are intact, with plump and rich ginseng sap. Free from scars, rust spots, burnt whiskers, or impurities.

　　Grade 3 (6 pieces)　Long cylindrical shape, with long stems, bodies, and legs. The distance from the base of the stem scar to the branching point is over 8 cm, featuring 2–3 evenly thick branches. All stem whiskers are intact, with plump and rich ginseng sap. Free from scars, rust spots, burnt whiskers, or impurities.

　　Grade 4 (9 pieces)　Long cylindrical shape, with long stems, bodies, and legs. The distance from the base of the stem scar to the branching point is over 7.5 cm, featuring 2–3 evenly thick branches. All stem whiskers are intact, with plump and rich ginseng sap. Free from scars, rust spots, burnt whiskers, or impurities.

　　Grade 5 (11 pieces)　Long cylindrical shape, with long stems, bodies, and legs. The distance from the base of the stem scar to the branching point is over 7.5 cm, featuring 2–3 evenly thick branches. All stem whiskers are intact, with plump and rich ginseng sap. Free from scars, rust spots, burnt whiskers, or impurities.

　　Grade 6 (14 pieces)　Long cylindrical shape, with long stems, bodies, and legs. The distance from the base of the stem scar to the branching point is over 7.5 cm, featuring 2–3 evenly thick branches. All stem whiskers are intact, with plump and rich ginseng sap. Free from scars, rust spots, burnt whiskers, or impurities.

　　Grade 6 (14 pieces)　Long cylindrical shape, with long stems, bodies, and legs. The distance from the base of the stem scar to the branching point is over 6 cm, featuring 2–3 evenly thick branches. All stem whiskers are intact, with plump and rich ginseng sap. Free from scars, rust spots, burnt whiskers, or impurities.

　　(2) Internal Quality Indicators:

　　Table 2 Physical and Chemical Indicators

　　Item　Moisture/(%)　Total Ginsenosides/(%)　Ginsenoside Rb1/(%)　Ginsenosides (Re+Rg1)/(%)　Total Ash/(%)　Acid-Insoluble Ash/(%)

　　Red Ginseng　≤12　≥2.5　≥0.4　≥0.20　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Red Ginseng with Full Tails　≤12　≥3.0　≥0.5　≥0.20　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Molded Red Ginseng　≤12　≥2.5　≥0.4　≥0.20　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Sliced Red Ginseng　≤12　≥2.5　≥0.4　≥0.20　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Sun-Dried Ginseng with Full Tails　≤13.5　≥3.0　≥0.5　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Sun-Dried Ginseng　≤12　≥2.5　≥0.4　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Sliced Sun-Dried Ginseng　≤12　≥2.5　≥0.4　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　White Ginseng　≤12　≥2.5　≥0.4　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Stewed Ginseng (Blanched Ginseng)　≤12　≥2.0　≥0.4　≥0.20　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Sliced Stewed Ginseng (Blanched Slices)　≤12　≥2.0　≥0.4　≥0.20　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Fresh-Dried Ginseng　≤12　≥3.0　≥0.5　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Preserved Ginseng　≤12　≥2.0　≥0.3　≥0.20　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Red Ginseng Middle & Tail　≤12　≥3.5　≥0.5　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Red Ginseng Straight Tails　≤12　≥3.5　≥0.5　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Red Ginseng Mixed Tails　≤12　≥4.0　≥0.5　≥0.30　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　White Ginseng Middle & Tail　≤12　≥3.5　≥0.5　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　White Ginseng Mixed Tails　≤12　≥4.0　≥0.5　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　White Ginseng Straight Tails　≤12　≥3.5　≥0.5　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Ginseng Powder　≤8.0　≥2.5　≥0.4　≥0.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Ginseng Stems and Leaves　≤15.0　≥5.5　≥0.5　≥2.25　≤3.5　≤0.5

　　Ginseng flower ≤15.0 ≥6.0 ≥0.5 ≥0.30 ≤3.5 ≤0.5

　　Ginseng fruit ---- ≥6.0 ≥0.5 ≥0.30 ≤3.5 ≤0.5

　　(3) Safety requirements:

　　① Harmful elements

　　— Lead shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 5009.12;

　　— Cadmium shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 5009.15;

　　— Arsenic shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 5009.11;

　　— Mercury shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 5009.17;

　　② Pesticide residues

　　Method 1: Internal standard method shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 15517.1.

　　Method 2: External standard method shall comply with the determination method for organochlorine pesticide residues in Appendix of Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, 2000 Edition, Part I.

　　③ Microorganisms

　　— Total plate count shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 4789.2;

　　— Coliform group shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 4789.3;

　　— Moulds shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 4789.15;

　　— Pathogenic bacteria shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 4789.4, GB/T 4789.5, GB/T 4789.10, and GB/T 4789.11.

　　Table 3 Safety indicators

　　Item Harmful elements/(mg/kg) Pesticide residues/(mg/kg) Microorganisms

　　 Lead Cadmium Arsenic Mercury BHC DDT Pentachloro Total plate count (per g) Coliform group (per 100g) Moulds (per g) Pathogenic bacteria

　　All types of ginseng products ≤5.0 ≤0.5 ≤0.2 ≤0.1 --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

　　All types of refined ginseng products ≤5.0 ≤0.5 ≤0.2 ≤0.1 --- --- --- ≤10000 ≤30 ≤500 Not detected

　　Packaging and labeling related regulations

　　(1) Packaging: Packaging shall use moisture-proof, non-toxic, and odorless materials for sealed packaging. Net content deviation shall comply with the provisions of [1995] No. 43. Molded red ginseng shall be vacuum-packed.

　　(2) Labeling: The mark user shall uniformly use the agricultural product geographical indication (combination labeling format of the name of Ji’an Bian Tiao Shen and the public identification pattern) on their products or packaging.

　　(3) Storage: Fresh ginseng shall be stored in underground warehouses with relative humidity above 70% and temperature at 5°C–10°C. The storage time for fresh ginseng used for processing red ginseng shall not exceed 7 days, and for processing sun-dried ginseng shall not exceed 10 days. Finished ginseng shall be stored in clean, dry, ventilated, moisture-proof, and odor-free warehouses. Preserved ginseng shall be stored in a preservation warehouse. The warehouse temperature shall be 0°C–5°C, with relative humidity above 50%, and the storage condition of preserved ginseng shall be inspected regularly.

　　(4) Transportation: Means of transportation shall be clean, hygienic, dry, odor-free. During transportation, rainproof, moisture-proof, and sunproof measures must be taken. Handle with care. Mixing or co-transportation with toxic or easily contaminated items is strictly prohibited.