Yard West Zucchini

Last updated 2026-11-12 — Yuanxi Township in Wulian County, Shandong Province, is located on the coast of the Yellow Sea. It enjoys a warm and humid climate with distinct seasons, abundant sunlight, and soil types primarily consisting of moist brown earth and brown soil, with a pH value between 6.8 and 7.2. The area has ample, unpolluted water sources, providing ideal natural conditions for zucchini cultivation. In particular, the rich bentonite resources endow the zucchini with high levels of beneficial minerals. For instance, calcium content alone reaches 160 mg per 500 grams—an outstanding feature. Each 100 grams also contains 0.8–0.9 grams of protein, 0.1–0.2 grams of fat, 0.8–0.9 grams of dietary fiber, 2.5–3.3 grams of carbohydrates, as well as carotene, vitamin C, glutamic acid, and more. Additionally, it is rich in ascorbic acid and glucose. Regular consumption can help clear internal heat, promote urination, prevent and treat cancer, and even aid in weight loss. Moreover, zucchini has been cultivated in Yuanxi Township for over a century. The locally grown produce features smooth skin, tender and crisp flesh, authentic flavor, and excellent storage and transport durability. Capitalizing on these strengths, the local Party committee and government, after extensive research and evaluation, made the timely decision to build a “Hometown of Zucchini,” aiming to develop a distinctive industry around this specialty product. They issued the “Implementation Opinions,” carried out scientific planning, and designated 20,000 mu of land with favorable water sources and soil quality as production bases. Their goal was to achieve year-round cultivation and supply, with an annual output of 80,000 tons and revenue of 110 million yuan. These efforts have been fully implemented, yielding significant results. Currently, 80% of the villages and 60% of households are engaged in zucchini production. In 2000, it was recognized by the Specialty Economic Committee of the China Agricultural Society as the “Hometown of Zucchini in China.”