Dangjo Chili is something extraordinary; because it can lower the possibility of diabetes and improves the condition only by eating. Don’t misjudge that Dangjo Chili will have the same flavor, texture, and size just like any other chili peppers though. As it is a differentiated kind, not only in terms of efficacy but also in any features; it has been recognized as a promising export product by Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT Center). Recently, it has been designated as ‘health functional food’ in Japan as the first Korean agricultural product. Nongbu Corporation Dream of Farmer, located in the outskirts of Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province, started to sell Dangjo Chili, and developed processed products in 2008. The Corporation is searching for ways to export health functional foods to international market along with the slogan of ‘Chili Pepper Lowering Blood Sugar.’

# Innovation of Chili Pepper, Dangjo Chili

Dangjo Chili is a cultivar jointly developed by National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, Kangwon National University, and Jeil Seed Bio in 2008. With 2 to 3 times the size of ordinary chili peppers, it is sold only in light green color when it contains relatively low sugar before turning red. The texture is crunchy and softer; it also tastes similar to paprika which are distinctive characteristics found only in Dangjo Chili.

Kim Gyeong-sul, the Director of Nongbu Corporation Dream of Farmer, said, "The Foodex visitors in Tokyo last March were surprised to see that Dangjo Chili was way bigger in size although it is same in shape as regular ones. And I was told that it would be great for diet as it easily makes you full.” He continued, “Dangjo Chili is less spicy compared to normal chili peppers. If you eat our chili with your eyes closed, you’ll feel that you are munching on paprika so it can be used for salad was one idea.”

The Dream of Farmer also sells the processed products of Dangjo Chili such as tea and juice. Dangjo Chili Tea is brewed from Dangjo Chilii leaves with finely chopped Dangjo Chili, and Dangjo Chili Juice is extracted from Dangjo Chili without any additives. This implies that their products stay away from any loss of benefits. Kim said, “Dangjo Chili Tea can be carried around and sipped at any time of day. Dangjo Chili Juice is high in health functionality as it contains 10 chilies per pouch, and it is best to drink in 10 minutes after opening to heighten the effect.”

# Clinically Proven Health Functional Food

Thanks to the large amount of AGI (α-glucosidase inhibitor) contained in Dangjo Chili, it has drawn a striking attention as a health functional food. It is known that the AGI content of Dangjo Chili is 2 to 3 times higher than ordinary chili peppers. AGI is a term for components which controls blood sugar level such as ‘luteolin’, which reduces glucose absorption by restraining blood sugar increase when carbohydrates are ingested. So to speak, you can expect blood sugar decrease even just by consuming Dangjo Chili. In fact, the result of clinical trials conducted at Kyushu National University and Kinji University in Japan, and Yuza Life Science Co., Ltd. from 2015 to 2018 has acknowledged its functions to lower blood sugar, so it has been successfully registered and sold as ‘health functional food’ in Japan last October.

Kim emphasized, "Dangjo Chili is the first fresh Korean agricultural product approved for ingredient to cure diabetes by the Japanese researchers, and the related information can be checked by inserting the designated number of Dangjo Chili, ‘D123’ in the Japanese functional food database website." He carried on, "In Korea, Chonbuk National University and Wonkwang University conducted a test on rats suffering from diabetes. After feeding Dangjo Chili, the results were seen that that the blood sugar level gradually dropped from 180mg to 120-150mg.”

# Dangjo Chili Pioneering The World Market

Dangjo Chili is currently exported to Japan, USA, and Singapore. The export value is US$150,000 more or less, showing a steady increase since 2016 when the first export was completed. The buyers in the United States, in particular, expressed an interest in Dangjo Chili products by paying a visit in person, which is a good sign that export volume could grow further. Last month, buyers from Hong Kong and Taiwan are making a negotiation for export, so another positive indication on expanding export countries. The foundation of such achievement was possible thanks to the genuine support by Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT Center).

Kim mentioned, "We kicked off our business as Wanju’s local specialty, and the aT Center was the first to suggest expanding to Japan, which has advanced health functional food market.” He went on, "Starting with the export of Dangjo Chili Tea, the aT Center has helped not only producing our chili but also unifying the export route, as well as the trademark registration for the Japanese brand name of our chili ‘Tochoto Garashi.’ All the contribution by the aT Center made everything possible that the Dream of Farmer can exist now.

In the future, Nongbu Corporation Dream of Farmer will continue to develop various processed items to build up international reputation. The new products like ‘Dangjo Chili Soy Sauce’ and ‘Dangjo Chili Crispy Rice Crust’ have already been developed and soon to be released. Kim stated, “We hope to expand the production and consumption demand of Dangjo Chili, known to be effective for diabetes treatment, so that everyone can enjoy at home.” He highlighted, “We plan to increase our export volume with the objective of ‘Until we cure diabetes with Dangjo Chili in every corner of the world.’”