YRB: Drafting the Product Standards for Huoshan Dendrobium

1. Appearance Standards

Grade Classification:

• Special Grade:
  • Color: Golden yellow with a glossy finish.
  • Stem: Complete with no blemishes.
  • Length: 8-9 cm.
  • Diameter: 0.25-0.3 cm.
  • Features: Surface exhibits a natural white film, indicating maturity.
• First Grade:
  • Color: Slightly darker, slightly dry.
  • Stem: Complete with minor blemishes.
  • Length: 6-8 cm.
  • Diameter: 0.25-0.3 cm.
• Qualified:
  • Color: Darker with slight damage.
  • Stem: Length between 3-6 cm, diameter 0.2-0.25 cm.

Reason: Appearance is the primary concern for consumers; grading helps them quickly identify product quality, ensuring they purchase items that meet their expectations. The special grade standards emphasize the beauty of natural growth, enhancing its rarity.

2. Quality Standards

Grade Classification:

• Premium:
  • Moisture Content: ≤10%.
  • Odor: Fresh with no off-odors.
  • Taste: Rich and lingering aftertaste.
• Good:
  • Moisture Content: ≤12%.
  • Odor: Normal.
  • Taste: Acceptable with a short aftertaste.
• Qualified:
  • Moisture Content: ≤15%.
  • Odor: Slightly off.
  • Taste: Average.

Reason: Moisture content directly affects product shelf life and taste; grading ensures consumers receive higher quality products. Emphasizing premium taste and fresh aroma makes it more attractive in the market.

3. Component Content Standards

Grade Classification:

• Special Grade:
  • Polysaccharide Content: ≥30%.
  • Alkaloid Content: ≥0.05%.
  • Other Components: Rich in natural antioxidants.
• First Grade:
  • Polysaccharide Content: ≥25%.
  • Alkaloid Content: ≥0.04%.
• Qualified:
  • Polysaccharide Content: ≥20%.
  • Alkaloid Content: ≥0.03%.

Reason: Component content is directly related to the pharmacological activity of Huoshan Dendrobium; grading ensures consumers receive sufficient nutrition and medicinal value. Special grade standards emphasize the richness of natural components, increasing its rarity.

4. Core Production Area Standards

Grade Classification:

• Core Production Area: Huoshan County
• Secondary Production Areas: Jinzhai County, Shucheng County, Yuexi County
• External Production Areas: Nanzhao County in Henan Province and Yingshan County in Hubei Province

Environmental Requirements:

• Terrain: Huoshan Dendrobium should grow on cliffs or waterfalls in river valleys and gorges, emphasizing the uniqueness of the natural ecology.
• Light Conditions: Light intensity should be maintained between 2000-4000 lux, avoiding strong direct sunlight.
• Wind Speed: An ideal growing environment should have a gentle breeze, with wind speeds between 1-3 m/s to promote ventilation.

Humidity Requirements:

• Air Humidity: Maintain between 60%-80%.
• Soil Humidity: Maintain between 20%-30%, with soil pH between 5.5-6.5.

Altitude: Suitable altitude is between 200-1200 meters, with the best growth altitude being 600-800 meters, and a diurnal temperature variation of 10-20 degrees Celsius.Soil Type: Should be acidic soil rich in organic matter, with organic matter content between 3%-5%.Reason: By emphasizing the unique growing environment and strict standards, Huoshan Dendrobium appears more precious and rare in the market, attracting consumer attention and purchase desire.