Banli Longyou Pomelo

Banli Longyou Pomelo

Banli Longyou Pomelo is a product with geographical indication.

　　Although “Banli Longyou Pomelo” is pricey, it remains a bestseller in domestic and Hong Kong-Taiwan markets, often selling out due to high demand. The main reasons are: first, it is grown without harmful chemicals, making it highly favored by health-conscious consumers; second, it has thin skin, juicy flesh, a sweet taste, and tender pulp—hallmarks of a premium variety. In contrast, the round-shaped honey pomelo has thicker skin, coarser flesh, a fragrant taste, and longer shelf life, with decent quality; fruits that feel smooth-skinned and heavy in hand usually have better taste, rich in vitamin C and numerous other key nutrients, making it one of the most beneficial fruits for dietary health. Third, the planting area is small and yields are limited. Banli Longyou Pomelo generally needs ten years of growth before the fruit reaches top-tier quality, contributing to its rarity and premium price.

　　It is understood that the Banli Longyou Pomelo, a renowned produce of Changtai, has a long history. As early as the 13th year of the Baoda era of the Southern Tang Dynasty (955 AD), after the establishment of the county, the cultivation of Longyou pomelo began, quickly earning a longstanding reputation for its exceptional quality and delicious taste. By the mid-Republican era, it had evolved from being “barely known” to becoming a bestseller both domestically and abroad. With its superior natural conditions, excellent ecological environment, outstanding quality, and deep historical and cultural roots, Banli Longyou Pomelo was certified as a national geographical indication agricultural product, gaining fame globally and winning widespread popularity among consumers.

　　Banli Longyou Pomelo

　　Geographic Scope

　　Banli Longyou Pomelo is primarily grown in six administrative villages within the Banli Township of Changtai County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. These villages include: Xinchun Village, Banxin Village, Shige Village, Zhengda Village, Danyan Village, and Gaoceng Village. The geographical coordinates of Banli Longyou Pomelo are between 24°37′–24°44′ north latitude and 117°39′–117°49′ east longitude. The protected cultivation area spans 1,200 hectares, with an annual yield of 45,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory Characteristics: The Banli Longyou Pomelo has a flat-round shape, slightly sloped shoulders, a sunken apex, and a yellow-green rind. The segments are short and comb-like, with easily separable pulp. The flesh is juicy, pale white to slightly yellow, crisp, tender, and has a well-balanced sweet and sour flavor. The average single fruit weighs about 1 kilogram. It is self-incompatible and tends to produce more seeds when cross-pollinated. The fruit ripens early, typically in mid-September, making it the earliest-maturing honey pomelo variety in Fujian Province.   2. Internal Quality Indicators: Edible rate exceeds 50%; soluble solids content ranges from 10%–12%; each 100 ml of juice contains more than 0.6 grams of titratable acid and over 30 mg of vitamin C.   3. Safety Requirements: The growing environment must comply with the standards outlined in “NY5016-2001 Environmental Requirements for Citrus Production of Pollution-Free Food,” while product quality must meet the citrus standards specified in “NY5014-2001 Pollution-Free Food Citrus” concerning pomelo varieties.