Xinfeng Zui Li

Xinfeng Zui Li

　　The Zui Li plum from Jingxiang Temple in Xinfeng, Jiaxing, enjoys an exceptional reputation, praised by poets as the “Jingxiang Premium Plum.” Historical records indicate that Xinfeng has cultivated Zui Li plums for over 2,400 years. While southern lychees and western grapes are both extraordinary fruits, Zui Li stands out as even more exquisite. Also known as Zui Li or Drunken Plum, it originates from the Jiaxing area in Zhejiang Province. During the Wu-Yue Wars, when Wu defeated Yue, King Goujian of Yue sought peace and sent Fan Li to deliver Xi Shi to Wu. On their journey through Jiaxing, local villagers offered Zui Li plums by the roadside. After tasting them, Xi Shi fell into a drunken sleep beneath a tree, leaving behind delicate fingernail marks on the fruit. Since then, the tale of the beauty and the fruit has become a celebrated legend.

　　The Zui Li plum is extremely delicate, with thousands of blossoms yielding only a few fruits. The fruit is flat in shape, its flesh translucent and round like fine jade, with a deep crimson skin dotted with golden specks. When ripe, it exudes an intoxicating aroma reminiscent of wine. Its flesh is fresh and lustrous like amber, and a simple prick of the skin allows the juice to be sucked out in one go, offering a uniquely delightful flavor. It was awarded the First Prize for Quality and Shape among fruits in Zhejiang Province in 2000.