The China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications officially entered into force on March 1, 2021. It is China's first bilateral comprehensive and high-level agreement on the protection of geographical indications (GIs), and an important and practical outcome in the development of China-EU economic and trade relations in recent years.

We will continue to introduce to you the first batch of 100 Chinese GIs and 100 European GIs under the Agreement, to better protect and market them to meet the needs of consumers on both sides for a better life.

GI Episode 20: Fangxian Black Fungus

Fangxian County, Hubei Province, is located in the Daba Mountains, between the world natural heritage Shennongjia and the Taoist holy land Wudang Mountains, with a forest coverage rate of 78.5% and the day and night temperature difference ranging from 8℃ to 15℃. It is the country’s famous black fungus production base and known as the “Home of Black Fungus”. Local people still stick to the basswood cultivation method, using no fertilizer, pesticide or additive to ensure premium quality of the black fungus.

Black Fungus is a traditional food on the Chinese people’s  table, with artificial cultivation starting around 600 AD. Back then, people living around the Daba Mountains felled deciduous trees in winter and relied on spore propagation. This method lasted for thousands of years. Fresh Fangxian Black Fungus looks like a swallow, seemingly ready to fly, hence the name “Swallow Fungus”.

The traditional cultivation method coupled with unique natural environment, suitable air humidity and day-night temperature difference makes Fangxian Black Fungus grow extremely slowly, soft in texture and tender in taste and very nutritious. It is known as the top mountain delicacy.  

With China’s opening up, Fangxian Black Fungus went global together with other Chinese food and appeared on people’s table in many countries and regions of Europe and the United States. Fangxian Black Fungus, the black treasure of Chinese food, is to be shared with you.