Rengfeng Watermelon

Rengfeng Watermelon

Rengfeng Watermelon is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Rengfeng Watermelon is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　The production of watermelons in Rengfeng Town has a history of over 300 years. It was the first in China to develop selenium-enriched watermelons, a unique achievement unmatched nationwide. The "Rengfeng" brand watermelon is a carefully cultivated product of the town. Rengfeng Town has a long-standing tradition of growing watermelons, along with naturally favorable climate and soil conditions. The town has accelerated the industrialization of watermelon farming. Building on traditional cultivation methods, it has engaged in long-term collaboration with research institutions to pioneer the introduction of selenium-enriched watermelons in China. Upon their debut, these watermelons quickly became sought-after products in major cities and supermarkets due to their distinctive quality and excellent taste. Selenium is known as the "king of anti-cancer elements" and can effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, significantly inhibit tumor growth, and also show notable efficacy in treating male infertility and asthma.

　　The Rengfeng Watermelon production base is located in Rengfeng Town, Jiyang County, Shandong Province, which is recognized by the National Ministry of Agriculture as the "Hometown of Chinese Watermelons" and is the largest premium watermelon production base in the country. Rengfeng watermelons have a smooth appearance, uniform coloration, no uneven sides, perfectly round shape, thin and crisp rinds with a thickness of no more than 3 millimeters, and relatively small size, weighing 1–1.5 kilograms per fruit. The flesh is apricot-yellow, with emerald-green skin, crisp texture, abundant juice, and a sweet, refreshing taste. The cells are neatly arranged, resulting in tender, juicy flesh without fibers, voids, or collapsing texture—melting instantly in the mouth, hence earning the nickname "ice cream watermelon."

　　Geographic Scope

　　The Rengfeng Watermelon production area is located in Rengfeng Town, Jiyang County, covering 82 administrative villages with a total area of 125.44 square kilometers and a population of 61,000. The total arable land in the town is 7,800 hectares, of which 2,000 hectares are used for watermelon cultivation. The geographical coordinates are latitude 36°02′5″–36°00′9″ N and longitude 117°01′0″–117°03′5″ E. The regional boundaries extend east to Dongsheng Village in Rengfeng Town; west to Jiangjia Village in Rengfeng Town; south to Hanzhi Village in Rengfeng Town; and north to Liuhe Village in Rengfeng Town. The protected planting area spans 2,000 hectares.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Appearance Characteristics: Rengfeng watermelons have a smooth exterior, uniform coloration, no uneven sides, and a perfectly round shape. They feature 16–17 distinct dark green serpentine stripes on a light green base, with a thin and crisp rind no thicker than 3 millimeters, and weigh 1–1.5 kilograms per fruit. 2. Internal Characteristics: The flesh of Rengfeng watermelons is apricot-yellow, with neatly arranged cells, a crisp and juicy texture, no fibers, no voids, and no collapsing texture—melting instantly in the mouth, hence earning the nickname "ice cream watermelon." The total sugar content is ≥6.1%, vitamin C content is ≥5.56 mg/100g, soluble solids content is ≥11.5%, calcium content is ≥5.5 mg/100g, zinc content is ≥0.85 mg/kg, iron content is ≥1.10 mg/kg, and selenium content is ≥0.10 mg/kg. With superior quality, it is classified as a high-end fruit. Rengfeng watermelons are strictly produced in accordance with the Green Food Melon and Vegetable Standards (NY/T747－2003).