Jinan Hongyu Apricot

Jinan Hongyu Apricot

　　The Hongyu apricot, also known as "Golden Apricot," is mainly produced in Licheng and Changqing districts of Jinan. With over 2,000 years of cultivation history, it is considered the finest apricot variety in Shandong. The fruit is round, weighing 60–83 grams per piece, with the largest reaching up to 150 grams. Its edible portion accounts for 91.6–93.9% of the total. Both the skin and flesh are orange-red, and the flesh is tender, sweet, and slightly acidic, with good storage and transportability. The Hongyu apricot is one of Shandong Province’s important export commodities. It is widely exported to Hong Kong and Macau, and enjoys strong sales in international markets as a premium decorative product — often sold at high prices. (Jinan)

　　The Hongyu apricot, also known as the "Imperial Apricot," is commonly called the "Dahui Apricot" because it is primarily grown in Dahui Village, Liubu Town. Historical records indicate that cultivation of the Hongyu apricot began in this village during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty, boasting over 2,000 years of history. At that time, it was offered as a tribute, and Emperor Wu once praised it as an “excellent variety among apricots,” hence it is also referred to as the “Emperor Wu Apricot.” The Hongyu apricot can grow up to 150 grams, with both the flesh and skin being orange-red. The flesh is thick, fine-textured, and does not stick to the pit. It has a sweet and tangy flavor. In addition to being rich in sugar and organic acids, it is also packed with carotene, riboflavin, various vitamins, trace elements, and multiple amino acids, making it an excellent variety for both fresh consumption and processing. It also has high medicinal value, with benefits such as nourishing the brain, moistening the lungs, and relieving coughs and wheezing. The apricot kernel is a high-calorie, high-protein food, especially beneficial for growing children and those with weak constitutions. Ancient people once praised it: “A bowl of nectar truly delights the palate — nothing compares to the sweet taste of apricot kernel tea.”

　　Liubu Dahui Village is the birthplace of the Hongyu apricot. In 1987, it was designated as a “Famous, High-quality, and Special” variety by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is the main cultivated variety of exported apricots in Shandong Province and is highly popular in international markets.