Persimmons of Xingyang

Persimmons of Xingyang

Persimmons of Xingyang are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Persimmons from Xingyang have a long history and enjoy an excellent reputation. Persimmon trees are widely planted in Xingyang and yield high production. The persimmon tree is a treasure all around. Its trunk has hard wood with fine grain, making it ideal for crafting furniture, tools, stationery, and handicrafts. The leaves can be used as fodder for livestock. Young leaves are rich in vitamin C, rutin, choline, flavonoids, glycosides, and other components, which help stabilize blood pressure, cleanse the blood, soften blood vessels, and reduce inflammation. Persimmon leaf tea, when consumed regularly, can moisturize the skin, aid sleep, and reduce swelling. Persimmon calyxes contain tannins and triterpenic acids such as betulinic acid, which have certain therapeutic effects on hiccups and nocturia. Persimmon fruits are rich in carotene, vitamin C, glucose, starch, protein, fat, as well as various elements such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Among these, the content of vitamin C and sugar is 1 to 2 times higher than that of common fruits, giving them higher nutritional value than apples and pears.

　　When persimmons ripen, they are left to soften and become sugary over several days, becoming what is called "baked persimmons." These are cool, sweet, and delicious to eat. Using baked, sugared persimmons to make dough for flatbread or steamed cakes results in soft and sweet treats.

　　Persimmons of Xingyang

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic area for Xingyang persimmons lies in the southern part of Xingyang, specifically south of Zhongyuan Road, bordering Xinmi City to the southeast and Gongyi City to the southwest. It includes seven towns: Cuimiao, Huan cuiyu, Jiayu, Liuhe, Qiaolou, Yulong Town, and Chengguan. The total area of the region is 340.3 square kilometers, with approximately 25,521 hectares suitable for persimmon cultivation. The geographic coordinates of the protected area are longitude 113°11’480" to 113°29’400" and latitude 34°36’949" to 34°45’005". Currently, the intercropped area of persimmons and crops in the city totals 120,000 mu, with a total of 960,000 trees including scattered plantings. The highest historical annual yield was 50 million kilograms, with a regular annual yield of 30 million kilograms. There are over 30 varieties of persimmons in the area, with six main varieties.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: The fruit is fresh, clean, well-shaped, and free of astringency. The stems are removed while the calyxes remain intact, ensuring market-ready edibility. The good fruit rate is ≥95%, with uniform fruit size. For drying varieties, the cake yield is ≥25%. The individual fruit weight meets or exceeds the standard for the variety.   2. Internal Quality Indicators: In addition to the general nutritional components of persimmons, Xingyang persimmons have higher levels of total sugar, vitamin C, persimmon tannins, and soluble solids. Total sugar content ranges from 15–25%, vitamin C content from 30–50 mg/100g, tannin content from 1000–1500 mg/kg, selenium content from 0.001–0.005 mg/kg, and zinc content from 2.0–3.0 mg/kg.   3. Safety Requirements: The production area must comply with [GB/T 18407.2-2001] standards for the safety quality of agricultural products and the production of pollution-free fruit. Production and management must strictly follow the [Non-polluting Persimmon Production Technical Operation Procedures]. The use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs that are not legally registered or are banned by the state is prohibited.