Xinghua Scallion

Xinghua Scallion

Xinghua Scallion is a protected geographical indication product.

Xinghua Scallion is a protected geographical indication trademark.

　　“Xinghua Scallion” is a distinctive local variety from Xinghua City, Jiangsu Province, with a long cultivation history. It boasts a rich aroma, superior quality, and contains special diallyl sulfide, which offers health benefits such as stimulating appetite and preventing cardiovascular diseases. It serves as an ideal raw material for fresh-keeping and dehydration processing, and is an indispensable seasoning in the food industry. The dehydrated scallions used in instant noodles from brands like Uni-President, Master Kong, Huilong, and Baixiang all come from Xinghua. The product is exported to Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and other regions.

　　Xinghua Scallion features plant height, stem thickness, stem length, and leaf thickness that fall between those of Zhangqiu Green Onion, shallot, and small multi-season scallion. Its leaf length is similar to that of Zhangqiu Green Onion. Although its yield is lower than that of Zhangqiu Green Onion, it has stronger tillering ability and a more tender taste. Moreover, it can be cultivated all year round.

　　Natural Conditions

　　The roots of “Xinghua Scallion” are white, stringy, and hairless, growing shallow in the soil, mainly distributed within the top 20 cm of the soil layer. [Figure 1: Xinghua Scallion Planting Base]

　　These root characteristics mean that Xinghua Scallion has relatively strict requirements for soil fertility and moisture. It thrives in loose, organic-rich soil that maintains moderate humidity without waterlogging.

　　The requirements of Xinghua Scallion for soil fertility and moisture align well with the conditions found in Duotian Town, Xinghua City. The average elevation of Duotian Town is 2.5 meters above sea level, featuring a dense network of waterways, numerous lakes, crisscrossing rivers, and channels. The area consists of irregularly shaped, man-made small mounds forming a scattered pattern of fields known as Duotian (Mound Fields), which define the unique landscape of the Li-Xia River region—hence the name “Duotian.” This special terrain makes large-scale crop farming unsuitable but ideal for vegetable production and management. Its proximity to downtown Xinghua means the town primarily grows various vegetables to supply the urban market. Long-term vegetable farming, the application of organic manure from humans and livestock, returning vegetable stems and leaves to the soil, and covering with straw and wheat stalks for insulation and moisture retention have resulted in loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter.

　　The unique terrain and environment of Duotian Town are highly conducive to water management for vegetable farming—suitable for both irrigation and drainage. Local farmers maintain soil moisture by watering every evening. The raised field ridges around Duotian fields easily allow excess water to drain away, preventing excessive soil moisture. These soil and water management conditions create the optimal natural environment for producing “Xinghua Scallion.”

　　Protected Area

　　The protected geographical indication area of Xinghua Scallion is defined according to the scope proposed in the “Request Regarding the Protected Geographical Indication Area of Xinghua Scallion” (Xingzheng Fa [2005] No. 111) issued by Xinghua City, Jiangsu Province, covering the entire administrative region under the jurisdiction of Xinghua City.