Shuang'ai Watermelon

Shuang'ai Watermelon

Shuang'ai Watermelon is a product with geographical indication.

　　The watermelons produced in Shuang'ai are known for their sweet, sandy flesh, few seeds, thin rind, and refreshing taste, making them an excellent choice for cooling off in the summer. Representative varieties include Jinzhong Guanlong and Xinnong No. 5, with new varieties continuously introduced in recent years.

　　The unique geological and soil conditions have contributed to the fame of Shuang'ai watermelons.

　　Shuang'ai watermelons enjoy great renown throughout Linyi and even have a certain level of influence within the province.

　　Shuang'ai watermelons are produced in Shuang'ai Town, Yinan County, Shandong Province, located along National Highway 205. The area lies near the junction of Mengyin, Feixian, and Yinan counties and features a hilly terrain with acidic soil, having a pH value ranging from 5 to 8, and is relatively infertile. The soil there is well-drained, quick to absorb heat, and predominantly loose sandy loam.

　　Watermelon roots are well-developed, drought-resistant, and tolerant of poor soil, with strong adaptability to various soil types. This makes Shuang'ai an ideal home for the Shuang'ai watermelon.

　　In addition to the local soil being suitable for watermelon cultivation and the presence of many growers in Shuang'ai Town, other factors have also contributed to the rapid and successful development of the Shuang'ai watermelon industry.

　　A large-scale wholesale and retail watermelon market has been established in Shuang'ai Town. Convenient and accessible transportation allows Shuang'ai watermelons to reach markets from here, with passing vehicles frequently stopping to purchase and sample them, thereby promoting the watermelons to some extent.

　　Moreover, Shuang'ai Town has implemented certain management policies for the watermelon market, strictly prohibiting forced sales and market monopolies. The positive trading environment has attracted watermelons from surrounding towns and villages to be brought to the Shuang'ai market, further expanding the scale of the watermelon market.

　　Shuang'ai Watermelon

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected production area of Shuang'ai watermelons covers approximately 573 square kilometers within Yinan County, Shandong Province. This includes nearly 100 natural villages across towns such as Shuang'ai, Sunzu, Qingtuo, and villages like Taohuashan Village, Hanjiayu Village, and Leishigou Village. The total planting area is 1,400 hectares, with an annual production of 42,000 tons. The geographical coordinates are: longitude 118°07′–118°30′ and latitude 35°19′–35°37′, at an altitude ranging between 400 and 762.9 meters.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Shuang'ai watermelons are oval-shaped, with green rinds marked by 14–18 dark green vertical stripes. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: The rind is less than 1.2 cm thick, with soluble solids content exceeding 10%, total sugar content greater than 5%, and individual fruit weight ranging from 3 to 4 kilograms. They are rich in nutrients. 3. Safety Requirements: The growing environment of Shuang'ai watermelons must comply with NY5110-2005 standards, and marketed watermelons must meet the NY5109-2005 standards set by the Ministry of Agriculture. Watermelons exhibiting any of the conditions specified in Article 33 of the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law are not permitted to be sold on the market.