Zhangzhou pomelos

Zhangzhou pomelos

　　Among the higher-quality varieties are the "Pingshan pomelo" and "Wendan pomelo" from Hua'an, which, along with the "Shatian pomelo" from Guangxi and the "Siamese pomelo" from Thailand, are known as the world's four famous pomelos. They are characterized by their large size, tender flesh, abundant juice, and well-balanced sweet-and-sour flavor. The main production area is around Shajian.

　　The Pingshan pomelo and Wendan pomelo have a long history of cultivation in Hua'an and were once listed as tribute fruits for the emperor in ancient times. Legend has it that long ago, in Huangzaoping Village along the Beixi River of the Jiulong River, there lived an orphan surnamed Lü. He was hardworking and simple, and loved planting flowers and fruit trees. Moved by his character, a magpie spat out a pearl that grew into a sapling. By the Mid-Autumn Festival, it bore large fruit with a fragrance even more delightful than osmanthus, so Lü named it the "Pingshan Osmanthus Pomelo." The Wendan pomelo is said to have been planted by a young female performer surnamed Wen in a theatrical troupe, hence the name "Wendan." Since it was mostly exported from Xiamen in the past, it is also known overseas as the "Xiamen Wendan." Another notable variety is the Youxi honey pomelo, which is also quite famous. The Youxi honey pomelo is a traditional specialty fruit of Pinghe County. During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, it was listed as a tribute fruit to the imperial court. In 1982, at the "National Famous Fruits Tasting Conference" held in Nanning, Guangxi, it ranked among the top for its thin peel, large size, abundant juice, small seeds, white and delicious flesh. The largest one weighed four kilograms. However, its peak season is not during the Mid-Autumn Festival but in November. To develop this traditional specialty fruit, in 1984, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fishery of the State Council, the provincial Department of Agriculture, and Pinghe County jointly invested to establish the "Honey Pomelo and Summer Orange Demonstration Farm."