Tongxiang Zao Li

Tongxiang Zao Li

Tongxiang Zao Li is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Product Name: Tongxiang Zao Li

　　Product Origin: Jiaxing, Zhejiang

　　Product Characteristics: Large in size, delicious in taste, each Zao Li fruit has a small mark at the bottom resembling a fingernail print

　　Product Composition: Water, protein, vitamins, calcium

　　Product Season: Flowers bloom from late March to early April, buds and leaves emerge in early April, pits harden in mid-May, and the fruit matures in early July.

　　Product Functions: Detoxification, stomach strengthening, digestion aid, blood circulation, stasis elimination, cancer prevention and suppression

　　Product History: Zao Li is a rare and premium variety among plums, and it is a famous local specialty of Tongxiang. In ancient times, it was often offered as a “tribute fruit” to emperors, renowned far and wide. Zao Li originally grew near the ancient Zao Li City. Du Yu’s annotation in the “Spring and Autumn Annals” states: “Southwest of Jiaxing County in Wu Commandery lies Zao Li City, named after the fine plums produced there.” It is said that the ancient Zao Li City was located within Bai Tao Township in Tongxiang. Although the ancient city no longer exists, Zao Li is still cultivated today. There is a sizable Zao Li orchard in Taoyuan Village of Bai Tao Township, and nearby households also grow Zao Li. The fruits produced here are large, delicious, and each has a small mark at the bottom resembling a fingernail print. Legend says this is the imprint left by the beauty Xi Shi.

　　Product Introduction: Zao Li is a rare and premium variety among plums, and it is a famous local specialty of Tongxiang. In ancient times, it was often offered as a “tribute fruit” to emperors, renowned far and wide. Zao Li originally grew near the ancient Zao Li City. Du Yu’s annotation in the “Spring and Autumn Annals” states: “Southwest of Jiaxing County in Wu Commandery lies Zao Li City, named after the fine plums produced there.” It is said that the ancient Zao Li City was located within Bai Tao Township in Tongxiang. Although the ancient city no longer exists, Zao Li is still cultivated today. There is a sizable Zao Li orchard in Taoyuan Village of Bai Tao Township, and nearby households also grow Zao Li. The fruits produced here are large, delicious, and each has a small mark at the bottom resembling a fingernail print. Legend says this is the imprint left by the beauty Xi Shi.

　　Tongxiang Zao Li

　　Geographic Range

　　Tongxiang Zao Li, also known as Zui Li, is a traditional and famous fruit in the region. Historical records indicate its origin was around Taoyuan Village in Wutong Subdistrict, Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province. It is said to have been cultivated since the “Spring and Autumn” period, boasting over 2,500 years of cultivation history, making it a rare variety among Chinese plum cultivars. Tongxiang Zao Li is primarily distributed across Wutong, Tidian, and Longxiang subdistricts (or towns), with a concentration in the core base of Taoyuan Village in Wutong Subdistrict and surrounding villages. The geographical coordinates are longitude 120°17′40″ to 120°39′45″ and latitude 30°28′18″ to 30°47′48″.

　　Product Quality and Characteristic Features

　　Tongxiang Zao Li fruits are flat-round in shape. When ripe, the fruit surface turns purplish-red, densely dotted with fruit specks and coated with a waxy bloom. There is often a fingernail-like split at the top of the fruit. The flesh of Tongxiang Zao Li is honey-yellow, juicy, sweet, and flavorful. When ripe, gently rubbing the fruit in the palm causes the flesh to become pulpy. You can peel a small opening to suck the juice or use a straw to drink it. The taste is rich, honey-sweet, and carries a wine-like aroma, indicating premium quality. The growing environment of Tongxiang Zao Li complies with NY 5113-2002 “Pollution-Free Food – Peach Growing Environment Conditions,” production techniques follow NY 5114-2002 “Pollution-Free Food – Peach Production Technical Regulations” and the local agricultural standard of Tongxiang City DB330483/T 005-2009 “Pollution-Free Food – Tongxiang Zao Li.” The product quality meets the mandatory technical specifications required by NY 5112-2002 “Pollution-Free Food – Peach.”