Tiantai Mountain Honey Oranges

Tiantai Mountain Honey Oranges

　　Tiantai Mountain Honey Oranges are a specialty of Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province. These oranges have bright orange-red, tender flesh that is sweet with little acidity, juicy and rich in flavor, earning them widespread acclaim both within and beyond the province.

　　Tiantai Mountain Honey Oranges belong to the Rutaceae family and are also known as Bendizao. They are a type of loose-skinned mandarin. These oranges are cold-resistant, highly disease-resistant, and yield relatively high production, but they are less drought-tolerant and less capable of withstanding waterlogging. They are primarily produced in counties (and cities) such as Huangyan, Linhai, Sanmen, Jiaojiang, and Wenling, among which Huangyan City has the highest output and best quality. The fruit is flat-round and plump, with radiating grooves at the stem end; it features a deep orange-yellow color with a glossy sheen, and the top often has wart-like protrusions with dense, raised oil glands. The peel is slightly thick but easy to peel. The flesh is bright orange-red, tender, sweet with little acidity, juicy and rich in flavor, and contains few or no seeds. The oranges mature around November and are an excellent variety for fresh consumption and canning, enjoying a fine reputation.