Bitter Orange

Bitter orange

　　Bitter orange is an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The historically renowned chrysanthemum-shaped Shangzhou bitter orange, produced in Sanhu Town, Xingan, has a history of over 1,000 years. Volume 10, Page 135 of the Song Dynasty work "Bin Tui Lu" by Zhao Yushi records "Eleven jin of bitter orange from Shangzhou, ten jin of bitter orange fruit from Shangzhou," referring to tributes sent to the imperial palace. The famous Ming Dynasty physician Li Shizhen noted in "Compendium of Materia Medica" that "bitter orange from Shangzhou is considered the best." This shows that the production of bitter orange in Sanhu has enjoyed a prestigious reputation historically.

The unique geographical environment, landform features, and abundant water resources have nurtured Shangzhou bitter orange, a high-quality authentic medicinal variety with local characteristics. Shangzhou bitter orange is a highly distinctive medicinal herb. It is characterized externally by its greenish skin, thick flesh, white color, firm texture, pure fragrance, fruit flesh that curls outward like a basin, and cross-sections of the pulp resembling chrysanthemums. Through long-term clinical use in traditional Chinese medicine, it has been shown to effectively soothe qi stagnation, dispel phlegm, and eliminate masses, with significantly better therapeutic effects than other similar products, earning it a strong reputation in both domestic and international markets.

After the liberation, especially since the reform and opening-up, with the support of relevant national departments, research achievements on Shangzhou bitter orange have continued to emerge, cultivation techniques have become increasingly refined, and product quality has grown more stable. It has now become an authentic medicinal brand for Xingan County and even the entire Jiangxi Province, as well as one of the first 60 varieties of bulk medicinal herbs recommended by relevant national authorities for GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) development. Today, the medicinal value and economic benefits of Shangzhou bitter orange are becoming increasingly evident.

Currently, over 2,800 acres of bitter orange have been planted in Sanhu, with an annual output reaching 1,700 tons.