Lingzhang Winter Fruit

Lingzhang Winter Fruit

　　Lingzhang Winter Fruit

　　The winter fruit originated in Lingzhang County, Hebei Province, and is a fruit-bearing tree of the pome category within the apple genus. According to the Lingzhang County Annals from the 30th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty: “Winter fruit, similar to crabapple but smaller, does not spoil over winter, hence the name.” When ripe, the fruit gives off a fragrant aroma and is said to have been an imperial tribute, used to make tea with a delicate fragrance. It is cultivated in small quantities in areas such as Lingzhang, Cheng’an, and Wei County in the Handan region.