In August of 2018, I accepted the invitation of the Organizing Committee of the Zunyi International Capsicum Expo and DeZhuang International Holding Limited to attend the 3rd annual International Capsicum Expo in Zunyi, China. It was an incredible experience. China is the world’s largest producer of chile peppers, harvesting more that 16 million tons of pods every year. Here are some of the highlights of the trip.
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- A requirement of the trip was that I had to deliver a lecture and I chose to speak about New Mexican chiles. I hope I look suitably professorial.
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- This was the crowd I was speaking too. Fortunately, there was simultaneous translation of English to Chinese and vice-versa,
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- I was provided a personal assistant and translator. Meet Jo, 50 years younger that I am. Many Chinese women adopt English names for professional reasons.
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- Part of the 5-acre chilli field in Xiazi Town. There were 1,000 different varieties growing in it. The large red banner is an ad for the Capsicum Expo.
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- Facing Heaven chillis, one of the most popular varieties grown in Zunyi.
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- Part of the wholesale market in Xiazi Town.
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- Returning chillis to heaven.
