Old Store Apples

Old Store Apples

Old Store apples are a product with a geographical indication.

　　Old Store apples are produced in Jiudian Town, located in the northeastern mountainous area of Pingdu City on the Shandong Peninsula. The region’s unique geographical location, soil conditions, and climate are highly suitable for apple cultivation. The town began developing its apple industry in 1980, expanding apple orchards from 4,000 mu to the current 40,000 mu, and total apple production has grown from 600,000 kilograms to over 80 million kilograms. The apples produced here are well-shaped, brightly colored, dry yet juicy, with sugar content around 14.5 degrees and hardness between 6–8 (index around 0.85). The planting area covers 40,000 mu, with a total annual output of 220 million kilograms and an output value of 800 million yuan. In 2009, the apples received Green Food certification; in 2010, they were registered under the Ministry of Agriculture's Geographical Indication Protection for Agricultural Products and recognized as a Famous, Special, and High-quality Agricultural Product of Qingdao; in 2012, Old Store apples were named a Famous Trademark of Qingdao; in 2013, they were awarded as a Famous Trademark of Shandong Province, received the Qingdao High-quality Agricultural Product Brand title; and in 2015, they were honored as a Qingdao Regional Public Brand.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: The growing area of Old Store apples is surrounded by mountains on three sides, enjoying abundant sunlight and large diurnal temperature variations, along with moderately acidic soil. The unique microclimate and superior geographical conditions produce apples with distinctive qualities—vibrant color, well-formed shape, smooth skin, full development, yellow flesh, crisp and juicy texture, balanced sweetness and acidity, rich aroma, and excellent storage capability. 2. Internal Quality Requirements: Old Store apples must have a soluble solids content (%) of ≥14.3%, acidity level between 0.2%–0.4%, and fruit firmness (kg/cm²) of ≥8.60. Qualitative testing shows no fewer than 22 types of aromatic compounds, while quantitative testing indicates high levels of aromatic components, meeting the unique physicochemical standards of fragrant Red Fuji apples. 3. Safety Requirements: The production process strictly adheres to the guidelines for the use of green food production materials and operational procedures, with limited use of specified synthetic chemicals. The product quality meets the Grade A Green Food standards.

　　Geographical Scope

　　The production area of Old Store apples is located at the junction of Pingdu, Laixi, and Laizhou cities. It is 100 kilometers from Qingdao Port, 65 kilometers from Qingdao International Airport, 35 kilometers from Sanshan Island Port, 70 kilometers from Longkou Port, and only 30 kilometers from Laixi Railway Station. Zhu-Zhu Highway, known as the north-south thoroughfare of the Shandong Peninsula, runs through the region. According to the “Pingzheng Zi [2009] No. 44” directive issued by the People’s Government of Pingdu City, the protected geographical indication area for Old Store apples includes 278 administrative villages north of Provincial Road 804 in Jiudian Town, Datian Town, Zhugou Town, Cuizhao Town, and Yunshan Town. The apple planting area spans approximately 120,000 mu, with an annual output of 200 million kilograms. The geographical coordinates are between 36°47′85″N to 37°2′36″N and 119°59′07″E to 120°7′59″E, with elevations ranging from 74 meters to 603.3 meters.