Shaoshan Red Apricots

Shaoshan Red Apricots

Shaoshan Red Apricots are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　The apricots of Shaoshan in Xiazhuang, Chengyang, are widely renowned. The fruit trees planted here are predominantly apricot trees. According to incomplete statistics, Shaoshan has over 2,000 acres of apricot orchards and nearly 100,000 apricot trees.

　　Among the many varieties of apricot trees in Shaoshan, the most famous is "Shaoshan Red." The "Shaoshan Red" variety was developed from the "Grass Apricot." It is said that in the 1970s, a "Grass Apricot" tree grew behind a farmhouse, and no one paid attention to it for several years until...

　　One year, when someone tasted the fruit it bore, they realized it was an excellent variety. With a new variety, of course, came the need for a good name. Since it was during the Cultural Revolution, they decided on "Shaoshan Red." Thus, when it came time to graft the trees in spring, neighbors came to take cuttings, and within a few years, "Shaoshan Red" rapidly spread.

　　When visiting Shaoshan to eat apricots, don’t forget to stop by Xiashuyuan for a drink. This was once one of the six major academies of Mount Lao, built during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty. Huang Jiashan from Jimo once studied here. By the early Longqing era of the Ming Dynasty, three rooms were built in a valley three li east of Xiashuyuan, known as -yuan. Later, due to neglect and lack of maintenance, it was abandoned by the early Qing Dynasty. During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the Xu family migrated from Xianjiazhai to manage this forested area owned by the Huang family. The population gradually increased, forming a small village of over ten households, and the name Xiashuyuan has been used ever since.

　　Shaoshan Red Apricots

　　Geographic Scope

　　The main production area of Shaoshan Red Apricots is located in Shaoshan Community, Xiazhuang Subdistrict Office, Chengyang District, Qingdao City. Shaoshan Community is situated at the western foot of Shimen Mountain, adjacent to the scenic and historic Fahai Temple to the west and Taihe Mountain Tourist Area to the south. Geographic coordinates: 120°45′83″–120°46′57″ E, 36°22′93″–36°22′96″ N. The protected geographic indication area for Shaoshan Red Apricots as a geographical indication agricultural product includes 28 communities under the jurisdiction of Xiazhuang Subdistrict Office, such as Shaoshan, Huayin, Xiazhuang, Taihe, Nanwushi, and Taipingzhuang. The designated area is within the region enclosed by connecting the following six points in Xiazhuang Subdistrict: A: 36°26′72″ N, 120°57′07″ E; B: 36°25′68″ N, 120°50′28″ E; C: 36°19′98″ N, 120°45′72″ E; D: 36°20′36″ N, 120°42′64″ E; E: 36°29′72″ N, 120°47′37″ E; F: 36°29′87″ N, 120°48′53″ E. The red apricot planting area covers 667 hectares, with an annual yield of 24,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Shaoshan Red Apricots are large, flat-round in shape, with soft and fine flesh, a rich aroma, sweet and juicy taste, and a beautiful crimson color, making them highly suitable for fresh consumption. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Shaoshan Red Apricots are nutritionally rich, with Vitamin C ≥12.8mg/100g; total sugar ≥9.8%; total acid ≤0.5%; soluble solids ≥11.9%; calcium ≥6.9mg/100g. 3. Quality and Safety Standards: Shaoshan Red Apricots comply with the standards of the "Pollution-Free Food Deciduous Stone Fruit" (NY/5112-2005).