Zhangzhuang Pomegranates

Zhangzhuang Pomegranates

　　Zhangzhuang pomegranates have a cultivation history of over 600 years, covering an area of more than 8,000 mu. The Daqingpi variety boasts large, sweet fruits that are resistant to storage and transport, and are sold as far as Beijing and Tianjin. The Dahongpao variety can weigh over a kilogram per fruit, with each seed as clear and translucent as agate. Renowned for their beauty, juiciness, and rich flavor, they are honored as the “Famous Fruit of the Nine Provinces.” In 1987, they were exhibited in Beijing and praised as the “Unique Delicacy of the Capital” and “A Marvelous Fruit.” In that year, the region was renamed Xuecheng County, and in 1962, the Xuecheng District was established.

　　Zhangzhuang pomegranates are a specialty of Zhangzhuang Village, Shagou Town, Xuecheng District, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province. The pomegranates of Zhangzhuang Village are known for their large size, bright color, and delicious taste. The main varieties include Daqingpi, Dahongpao, and Juzhimi. They were listed as tribute fruits during the Ming and Qing dynasties and have been rated by experts as the “Unique Delicacy of Shandong” and the “King of Fruits.”

　　Zhangzhuang Village is located by the Weishan Lake, in the northeastern part of Shagou Town, Xuecheng District. The Zhangzhuang Pomegranate Orchard mainly covers Zhangzhuang Village and extends to five surrounding villages, spanning a total area of over 5,000 mu. Liuhuayu to the east of the village is surrounded by mountains, and the entire orchard sits against hills and beside water, immersed in a sea of pomegranate blossoms—elegant, tranquil, and picturesque. The pomegranates from the orchard are large, plump, and sweet, earning the title “Unique Delicacy of Shandong,” and were served as tribute to the imperial court in multiple dynasties.

　　Zaozhuang pomegranates are the best under heaven, and Zhangzhuang pomegranates are the finest of them all. The “Qianshouhuai” brand pomegranates from Zhangzhuang have been certified as Grade A Green Food by the China Green Food Development Center and recognized as Pollution-Free Agricultural Products by the National Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Center. In December 2007, they were honored as “Olympic Recommended Fruits.”

　　Zhangzhuang pomegranates have a long cultivation history and have developed into three series: for eating, for ornamental purposes, and for both ornamental and culinary use. The main varieties planted include Daqingpi, Dahongpao, Xiuhuatian, and Juzhimi—all high-quality types with large fruits, bright colors, and delicious flavors. The seeds resemble agate, crystal clear and translucent. Zhangzhuang pomegranates have long enjoyed a great reputation, often served as tribute to the royal family, and have been sold to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shijiazhuang, and Tianjin. They are hailed as the “Marvelous Fruit Under Heaven” and the “Unique Delicacy of Southern Shandong.”