Xijiang Rice

Xijiang Rice

Xijiang Rice is a protected geographical indication product.

　　 Xijiang Rice has a long history. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Xianfeng bestowed upon Xijiang Rice the title of “Imperial Tribute Rice,” requiring a fixed annual tribute. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xijiang Rice was awarded a certificate personally signed by the Premier in recognition of its high yield and superior quality. Over the centuries, the fine quality and rich cultural heritage of Xijiang Rice have made it famous far and wide, with sales extending across the nation. In the past two years, the Tonghua County Party Committee and County Government have vigorously promoted comprehensive rural environmental improvement, bringing air quality, water sources, and soil all up to green standards. As a result, the quality and unique characteristics of Xijiang Rice have become even more distinctive, and it has passed green and organic certifications. Xijiang Rice is the third protected geographical indication product approved in Tonghua County. A relevant official from the county government stated that efforts will be further made to standardize the application, use, and management of the Xijiang Rice geographical indication product name and its special logo, ensuring the quality and unique qualities of Xijiang Rice.

　　Quality and Technical Requirements for Xijiang Rice (Xijiang Tribute Rice)

　　I. Varieties

　　Varieties with good palatability such as “Jijing 83,” “Tonghe 835,” and “Daohuaxiang 2.”

　　II. Site Conditions

　　Alluvial paddy soil, marsh paddy soil, and peat paddy soil. The soil pH value ranges from 5.5 to 7.5, with an organic matter content of ≥2%.

　　III. Cultivation Management

　　1. Seedling Raising:

　　(1) Seedling Raising Method: Dry nursery with sparse sowing.

　　(2) Sowing Period: Mid-April, with a seedbed period of 35 to 40 days.

　　(3) Sowing Rate: Seed usage ≤2.5 kg per 667㎡ (acre).

　　2. Transplanting: Transplanting begins after mid-to-late May, with a density of 10,600 to 13,300 holes per 667㎡ (acre), and 2 to 3 plants per hole.

　　3. Field Management: Apply the first application of well-rotted organic fertilizer at 2 to 3 m³ per 667㎡ (acre) before land preparation, plow the field, and apply the second application of well-rotted organic fertilizer during land preparation. Flood and soak the fields, finely till and level the soil, then transplant.

　　4. Environmental and Safety Requirements: The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other inputs must comply with national regulations, and must not cause environmental pollution.

　　IV. Harvesting

　　From late September to early October, when 95% of the grains have turned yellow and ripe, harvesting is done manually or mechanically.

　　V. Processing

　　Winnowing → Cleaning → Impurity Removal → Hulling → Separation of Husk and Brown Rice → Milling → Sorting → Grading → Inspection → Packaging → Storage.

　　VI. Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory Characteristics: Glossy, semi-transparent, round and plump grains. The cooked rice is glossy, fragrant, sticky, and smooth, and leftover rice does not easily harden when cooled.

　　2. Physicochemical Indicators: Gel consistency ≥70 mm, amylose content 15% to 18%.

　　3. Safety and Other Quality and Technical Requirements: Product safety and other quality and technical requirements must comply with national regulations.

　　Xijiang Rice (Xijiang Tribute Rice)

　　The current administrative area of Xijiang Town, Tonghua County, Jilin Province

　　“Notice of the Tonghua County People’s Government on Determining the Protection Scope of the Geographical Indication Product Xijiang Rice (Xijiang Tribute Rice),” Tongzheng Letter [2013] No. 79

　　Enterprise Standard of Tonghua County Grain Storage and Distribution Co., Ltd.: Q/TLS0001S-2013 “Xijiang Rice (Xijiang Tribute Rice)”