Evaluation of climate factors affecting the quality of red huajiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim.) based on UPLC-MS/MS and MaxEnt model

•Red huajiao distribution under different periods was predicted using Maxent.•Suitable habitats were located mainly in the Qinba Mountains and the semi-humid and semi-arid areas of the Loess Plateau.•Mean temperature of the coldest quarter and min temperature of the coldest month were the important environmental factors.•The amides content in red huajiao peels varied significantly across suitable habitats.•Temperature, wind speed and precipitation were the key climate factors affecting amide accumulation. Through field investigation, UPLC-MS/MS technology and MaxEnt model were performed to predict the suitable distribution area for red huajiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim.) in China from 2021 s to 2060 s, and evaluate the effects of climate factors on the quality of red huajiao. The results demonstrated that mean temperature of the coldest quarter and min temperature of the coldest month were the most important environmental variables influencing red huajiao distribution. Suitable habitats for red huajiao were located mainly in dry and hot valley zone in the Qinba Mountains and the semi-humid and semi-arid areas of the Loess Plateau. The amides contents were higher in high suitability areas, while it was decreased in medium and low suitability areas, and temperature, wind speed and precipitation played a key role in their accumulation. This investigation was of great significance for the planting area optimization, quality control, benefit improvement and industrial development of red huajiao.