Xuan Papaya

Xuan Papaya

Xuan papaya is a product with a geographical indication.

　　Hometown of Papaya — Xuanzhou County

　　Xuan papaya is the mature fruit of the deciduous shrub Chaenomeles speciosa (Thouin) Koehne of the Rosaceae family. As early as 420 AD, Xuan papaya was offered as a tribute to the imperial court. Historical research confirms over 1,600 years of cultivation history. The Compendium of Materia Medica states: “Papaya can be found everywhere, but that of Xuanzhou is the finest.” This speaks volumes about the exceptional quality of Xuan papaya. Xuan papaya is rich in various amino acids, mineral trace elements, and high levels of vitamin C. It also contains saponins, flavonoids, malic acid, oleanolic acid, quinic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid, trans-2-butenoic acid, tannins, as well as enzymes such as -amylase, phenol oxidase, and oxidase. It is particularly abundant in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and oleanolic acid. Xuan papaya has therapeutic effects such as soothing the liver and stomach, dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation and unblocking meridians, and nourishing the spleen and lungs. It is used to treat conditions such as rheumatic paralysis, beriberi swelling and pain, bacillary dysentery, cholera, vomiting and diarrhea, and gastrocnemius muscle spasms. Xuan papaya is recognized as one of China’s four most precious traditional medicinal herbs. With a long-standing historical brand legacy and unique quality, Xuan papaya stands out among papaya varieties across the country and enjoys great renown, earning the title: “Plant Gold.”

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Luohan Navel: Fruit is oblong inverted-oval shaped, covered with white dots, with a prominent navel, and the dried product has a wrinkled skin; Apple Red: Fruit is flat-barrel shaped, with a crimson-red sun-exposed side when ripe, strong aroma, and the dried product has a wrinkled skin; Sesame Dot: Fruit is inverted-oval shaped, covered with white dots, with a slightly prominent navel, and the dried product has a wrinkled skin. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Xuan papaya contains nineteen amino acids, eighteen mineral trace elements, and large amounts of vitamin C. It also includes saponins, flavonoids, malic acid, oleanolic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid, trans-2-butenoic acid, tannins, as well as enzymes such as -amylase, phenol oxidase, and oxidase. It is especially rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and oleanolic acid. Calculations show that the SOD content in one gram of fresh Xuan papaya can reach up to 3,227 international units. The first batch of the “List of Dual-Use Items for Food and Medicine” published by the National Health Commission includes Xuan papaya, which is both a medicine and a food. (3) Safety Requirements: Xuan papaya must strictly comply with the “Safety Requirements for Pollution-Free Fruits under Agricultural Product Quality (GB18406.2-2001)” and the “Technical Specifications for Xuan Papaya Afforestation (DB34/T284-2002).” The use of highly toxic pesticides that are explicitly banned by the state is strictly prohibited. The pesticide safety interval must be strictly observed, and only those products that pass pesticide residue testing are allowed to be marketed.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Xuan papaya refers to the wrinkled-skinned Chaenomeles speciosa (Thouin) Koehne, a plant of the Rosaceae family. Its scientific name is: Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai. Xuanzhou District is the seat of the People's Government of Xuancheng City, located in the southeastern part of Anhui Province, south of the Yangtze River and north of Huangshan Mountain. It borders Langxi County to the east, Ningguo City to the south, Nanling County to the west, and Dangtu County to the north. To the northeast it neighbors Gaochun County of Jiangsu Province, to the northwest it adjoins Wuhu County, to the southeast it borders Guangde County, and to the southwest it touches Jing County. The protected geographical indication area for Xuan papaya agricultural products covers 62 towns, townships, and subdistricts under the jurisdiction of Xuanzhou District, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province. The geographical coordinates are longitude 118°28′ to 119°04′ and latitude 30°34′ to 31°04′.