Red Adzuki Beans from Baoqing

Red Adzuki Beans from Baoqing

Red Adzuki Beans from Baoqing are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Red Adzuki Beans from Baoqing are a specialty of Baoqing County in Heilongjiang Province. The county has suitable growing conditions and a long history of cultivation. The beans are large, thin-skinned, aromatic, brightly colored, with high bean paste content, and of excellent quality. They are exported to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Europe, and around the world.

　　　The locally registered “Baoqinghong” brand of red adzuki beans is the only premium brand in Heilongjiang Province and one of the three most renowned red adzuki bean brands in China. It has been awarded the title of “Top Ten Famous Agricultural Products in Heilongjiang Province” and an International Agricultural Fair Prestige Award. It has received EU organic food certification for seven consecutive years and has been designated as a “Protected Origin Product” by the national government. In 2000, Baoqing County was named the “Hometown of Red Adzuki Beans in China” by the China National Food Industry Association. On July 6, 2005, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China reviewed and approved the implementation of geographical indication product protection for Baoqing Red Adzuki Beans.

　　Production Situation

　　　　Baoqing County is located in the eastern part of Heilongjiang Province, in the heart of the Sanjiang Plain. The area has fertile soil and unique climatic conditions that are well suited for red adzuki bean cultivation. The county has a long history of growing red adzuki beans. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Baoqing has focused on building the premium “Baoqinghong” red adzuki bean brand. By implementing a series of measures such as “four specializations, five unifications, and six services to households,” the region has enhanced the regional identity, uniformity, quality, and profitability of the beans, boosting their green, organic, and branded appeal, and increasing the market influence and competitiveness of “Baoqinghong.” Through selective breeding and cultivation, “Baoqinghong” red adzuki beans have developed distinct product characteristics: large size, thin skin, aromatic flavor, bright color, high bean paste content, and excellent quality.

　　According to statistics, by 2008, the maximum cultivation area of red adzuki beans in Baoqing County reached 250,000 mu, earning it the reputation of “Hometown of Red Adzuki Beans in China.” Its annual production of 60,000 tons of red adzuki beans is mostly exported to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Europe, and around the world.

　　Geographical Indication Product Protection

　　　　In accordance with the “Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products,” the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China conducted a review of the application for geographical indication product protection for Baoqing Red Adzuki Beans. Upon approval, the protection has been granted starting from this date.

　　Protected Area

　　　　The protected area for Baoqing Red Adzuki Beans as a geographical indication product is based on the scope proposed in the document “Regarding the Definition of the Protected Origin Product Area for Baoqing Red Adzuki Beans” (Bao Zheng Ban Fa [2004] No. 18) issued by the People’s Government of Baoqing County, Heilongjiang Province, covering the entire administrative region of Baoqing County.