Tianbao Bananas

Tianbao Bananas

Tianbao Bananas are a protected geographical indication product.

Tianbao Bananas are a certified geographical indication trademark.

　　Tianbao Banana: Produced in Tianbao Town, with over 700 years of cultivation history. The fruit pulp is rich in nutrients, characterized by its thin peel, fragrant aroma, sweet juice, soft flesh, and small core.

　　Xiangcheng District is located in the southeastern part of Fujian Province, between latitudes 24°29'14" and 24°42'41" north, and has a subtropical marine humid climate. The frost-free period lasts up to 309 days, with an average annual temperature of 21.1°C. Annual rainfall ranges from 1453 to 1612 mm, mostly concentrated during the peak growth season of bananas from May to October. With rain and heat occurring in the same season, this high-temperature, high-humidity, and ample-sunlight climate condition is conducive to banana growth and development, making it highly suitable for banana cultivation. On the other hand, the district's unique topography slopes from northwest to southeast. The northwest is shielded by three winding mountain ranges — Wufeng Mountain, Tianbao Mountain, and Jinsha Ridge — which act as a natural barrier against cold air intrusions from the south in winter. The southeast lies in the northwestern corner of Zhangzhou Plain, the largest plain in Fujian Province, with an elevation of only about 10 meters. The flat and open terrain allows cold air to dissipate easily, resulting in short periods of low temperatures. In summer, the area is also influenced by the marine humid climate, creating a distinctive microclimate environment that ensures no severe winters or extreme summers, thus providing superior natural conditions for banana growth and development. Furthermore, the region is situated in the alluvial plains of the middle and lower reaches of the Jiulong River, and the low mountainous and hilly areas in the central and northern parts consist mainly of gentle slopes with elevations below 250 meters. These areas feature soil types such as sandy loam, dark red soil, and gray-red soil, all of which are fertile with deep soil layers, offering an excellent underground environment for banana root development. These outstanding natural conditions contribute to the Tianbao Banana’s long fruiting period, rich nutrient accumulation, and uniquely superior flavor.

　　Tianbao Bananas are renowned both domestically and internationally for their moderate size, thin peel, soft and smooth texture, fiber-free flesh, rich sweetness, refreshing taste, and strong aroma, winning the favor of consumers at home and abroad. There are two main varieties: Tianbao Tall Banana and Tianbao Dwarf Banana.

　　(1) Tianbao Tall Banana: The fruit is slightly curved and cylindrical in shape, with a moderate size, smooth form, and slight curvature. When ripe, the peel is yellow and thin. The flesh is yellowish-white, soft and smooth without fibers, pleasantly sweet, refreshing, and richly aromatic. The peel is thinnest and the flavor is best when slight brown spots (anthracnose marks) appear.

　　(2) Tianbao Dwarf Banana: The fruit is slightly curved and cylindrical in shape, slightly smaller in size, with a smoother yet more curved form. When ripe, the peel is yellow and thin. The flesh is yellowish-white, soft and smooth without fibers, sweet and palatable, with a strong fragrance. The peel is thinnest and the flavor is best when slight brown spots (anthracnose marks) appear.

　　The protected geographical indication area for Tianbao Bananas is defined according to the scope proposed in the “Request for Defining the Protected Geographical Indication Product Area of Tianbao Bananas” (Zhangzheng [2006] No. 46) issued by the People’s Government of Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. This includes the administrative regions of Xiangcheng District, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, and seven townships under Nanjing County: Shancheng Town, Jingcheng Town, Fengtian Town, Longshan Town, Jinshan Town, Chuanchang Town, and Nankeng Town.