Qingzhen fresh peppers win high-end markets

At Guizhou Yangquehu Agricultural Technology Co's sorting center in Luojiaqiao village, Qingzhen city, Yangquehu peppers are quickly packed and loaded onto cold-chain trucks. Within 24 hours, these fresh peppers from Guizhou's mountains will reach tables in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In 2023, with support from Guiyang's vegetable supply base, the village actively introduced quality agricultural enterprises to expand pepper cultivation. Today, this land not only serves as a "vegetable garden" for Guiyang residents but also significantly boosts local villagers' incomes.

Harvested Yangquehu peppers. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

"We maintain strict standards from field to market," said Jiang Kang, the company's general manager. After harvesting, the peppers are sent to a sorting center, where they undergo "physical dormancy" at 8-10 C to preserve their natural flavor. Workers then meticulously grade them into premium, first-grade, and general categories based on shape, color, and length.

This rigorous quality control has earned Yangquehu peppers widespread recognition in high-end markets, with retail prices reaching 28 yuan ($3.9) per jin (0.5 kilograms). They have become a "star product" and are directly supplied to renowned supermarkets, chain restaurants, and the Greater Bay Area. Nearly 1,800 metric tons have been harvested this year, with total production expected to reach 2,200 tons. 

"This year's yield reached 3.5 tons per mu (0.07 hectares), a 40 percent increase over last year," said Li Zhenglun, Party secretary of Luojiaqiao village. The base employs about 250 villagers daily, with earnings ranging from 150 to 200 yuan per day. The village plans to introduce flavorful tomatoes and high-value varieties to further enhance the "Qingzhen Produce" brand.