Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan

Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan

The Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan is a Geographical Indication Certification trademark.

The Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan is an Agricultural Geographical Indication product.

　　The "Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan" has been awarded a National Geographical Indication Certification trademark. Under the planning of the industry and commerce, as well as agriculture and forestry departments, this “golden namecard” made its first appearance this year and served as a powerful move to promote the brand of Zhoushan’s Late Rice Bayberry both within and outside the province.

　　It is understood that currently, three enterprises—Xinye Agricultural Specialties Company in Dinghai, Chenzhou Aquatic Food Company, and Gaoxie Niangwei Bayberry Processing Factory—have obtained usage licenses for the Geographical Indication Certification trademark. These three companies will launch premium bayberry gift boxes and, through the use of special ice pack preservation technology, extend the freshness period of Late Rice Bayberry to 24 hours. The packaging will feature the “Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan” Geographical Indication Certification trademark. Only the highest quality bayberries—selected from an average of only one kilogram out of every five—can bear this “golden namecard.”

　　“For example, if the market price of one jin (500g) of Late Rice Bayberry is 30 yuan, then after attaching the Geographical Indication Certification trademark, its price will at least double,” explained a relevant official from the Dinghai Administration for Industry and Commerce. This can significantly enhance the product's added value, enabling the bayberries to become more market-oriented, branded, and profitable.

　　Zhoushan Bayberries Target the Yangtze River Delta

　　“With the help of special ice pack preservation, Late Rice Bayberries now have the capability to reach markets in the Yangtze River Delta,” said a relevant official from the industry and commerce bureau. Firstly, there is a large number of tourists visiting Zhoushan, especially from the Yangtze River Delta region, who can confidently buy the bayberries to take home for personal enjoyment or to give as gifts. Secondly, the gift-boxed bayberries also make great presents for Zhoushan residents to send to relatives and friends living elsewhere.

　　Following the branding efforts through measures such as the Geographical Indication Certification trademark, Late Rice Bayberries will also become a major highlight of Zhoushan tourism, attracting visitors from other regions to come and pick and taste them.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Zhoushan City is located at the midpoint of China’s coastline, at the estuary where the Yangtze River, Qiantang River, and Yong River converge. It comprises 1,390 islands and 3,330 reefs of varying sizes, covering a sea area of 22,000 square kilometers, with a land area of 1,440 square kilometers. The main island, Zhoushan Island, is the fourth largest island in China, spanning 502 square kilometers. The geographical coordinates for the distribution of Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan are longitude 121°31′00″ to 123°17′00″ and latitude 29°32′00″ to 30°38′00″. The protected agricultural geographical indication area for Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan includes the following regions: in Dinghai District—the Chengdong Subdistrict, Huanan Subdistrict, Jiefang Subdistrict, Changguo Subdistrict, Yancang Subdistrict, Lincheng Subdistrict, Baiquan Town, Ganlan Town, Ma’ao Town, Xiaosha Town, Cengang Town, Shuangqiao Town, Jintang Town, and Beichan Township; in Putuo District—the Shenjiamen Subdistrict, Donggang Subdistrict, Goushan Subdistrict, Zhanmao Subdistrict, Zhujiajian Subdistrict, Taohua Town, and Liuheng Town; in Daishan County—the Gaoting Town, Dongsha Town, Daodong Town, Daixi Town, Qushan Town, and Xiushan Township.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: The Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan belongs to the dark bayberry variety, with a purplish-black fruit surface. The average weight of each berry is over 10 grams, and the fruit is nearly round, with rounded and blunt flesh pillars. It features large fruit and small seeds, with an edible rate of about 94%. The flesh is soft, juicy, and rich in a unique fragrance. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: The Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan has a soluble solid content of around 10%, indicating top-grade quality. It contains over 8% total sugar, offering an excellent taste profile that is sweet and tangy. The flesh separates easily from the seed, making it premium quality with a very high anthocyanin content. Folk practices often involve soaking the bayberries in liquor, which is believed to have heat-clearing and anti-diarrheal effects. According to research by Nanjing University in 2006, bayberries soaked in liquor—particularly the Late Rice variety—contain three times the amount of effective functional components compared to other varieties. (3) Safety Requirements: The hygiene indicators and pesticide residue levels of the Late Rice Bayberry of Zhoushan comply with relevant national standards, following the regulations of "Pollution-Free Bayberries."