Pear Orchard Cicadas

Pear Orchard Cicadas

　　  Cicadas, also known as cicada grubs, cicada turtles, climbing locusts, or chirping cicadas, are often hailed as the "flesh of Tang Monk." The reason they are called the "flesh of Tang Monk" is not only due to their high nutritional value but also because of the deep cultural significance embedded in the name. With their high nutrition, unique and delicious taste, and various tonic medicinal effects on the human body, people have long likened eating cicadas to consuming the “flesh of Tang Monk,” believed to grant immortality. One of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, *Journey to the West*, features the monk "Tang Sanzang," who is the reincarnation of the Buddha's second disciple, the "Golden Cicada" (also called the Golden Cicada Elder). Tang Sanzang’s rebirth as a sacred monk from the East symbolizes the concept of "cicada molting," hence people view the cicada’s transformation through molting as a symbol of longevity and rebirth. This is why, in *Journey to the West*, it is said that eating the “flesh of Tang Monk” can grant eternal life. Today, people serve the highly nutritious "cicadas" on their dining tables and refer to them as the "flesh of Tang Monk," which is undoubtedly the highest praise for their exceptional nutritional value.   Rich and Unique Nutritional Value: According to physicochemical analysis and research by the China Food Nutrition Academy, every 100g of golden cicada nymphs contains 72g of protein, 15g of fat, and 1.8g of ash. In addition, they are rich in essential calcium, phosphorus, iron, various vitamins, and trace elements. Scientific analysis shows that the cicada is abundant in amino acids, proteins, and trace elements, with essential amino acids accounting for 46.63% of the total amino acid content.

     The best season for harvesting cicadas in the fields is from mid-to-late June (around the Summer Solstice) to early August (around the Autumn Equinox), with the period around early July or after rainfall being the most abundant. The nymphs (cicada turtles) dig out of the ground using their pair of saw-like front legs in the moist, soft soil underground. Once they emerge onto the surface, they move briefly on the ground before climbing tree trunks or trellises in preparation for molting. By 4–6 a.m. the next morning, they metamorphose into adult cicadas. You can use a flashlight to search for them at night on the ground and tree trunks under the trees, or catch freshly molted young adult cicadas in the early morning on the trees.

     Our location is in the center of the Xuehua Pear production area in Zhao County, Hebei Province. Vast pear orchards serve as the natural breeding grounds (wild) for cicadas. The best season for harvesting cicadas in the fields is from mid-to-late June (around the Summer Solstice) to early August (around the Autumn Equinox). In the evening, pear farmers head to the orchards to catch cicadas. The cicadas are wild and fresh. New and existing customers are welcome to place orders or visit for inspection. Ordering hotline: 13932160098, contact person: Liu Xianhui. Please call to make an appointment if interested.

Harvesting Season: From mid-to-late June (around the Summer Solstice) to early August (around the Autumn Equinox) annually

Address: Caozhuang, Fan Zhuang Town, Zhao County, Hebei Province (Eastern Pear Region)