Old Kou Sand Pear

Old Kou Sand Pear

Old Kou Sand Pear is a product certified with a Geographical Indication for Agricultural Products.

　　     Old Kou is China’s renowned hometown of sand pears and a land rich in culture.

　　    The pear culture here has a history as long and enduring as the waters of the Han River.

　　    Located in the central part of Hubei Province, in the heart of the Jianghan Plain, Old Kou is the southern gateway to Zhongxiang City, bordering Jingshan, Tianmen, and Shayang. The area enjoys a mild climate, abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil. The vast Jianghan Plain is a major production hub for sand pears. According to Mr. Zheng, president of the Old Kou Town Sand Pear Association, the town has over 50,000 mu (approximately 3,333 hectares) of sand pear orchards, yielding nearly 200,000 tons of sand pears annually. Sand pears have become the leading industry for local farmers and a primary source of their income. The town has established a Sand Pear Association to assist growers with formula fertilization, pest and disease control, technology promotion, pear sales, and the protection of farmers’ interests.

　　    Old Kou has a long history of pear production, and its pear culture is even more vibrant and diverse.

　　    The earliest lesson Old Kou children learn about pears is “Rong at four years old yielded the pear.” From a young age, children are taught the virtues of courtesy and filial piety. They learn that even if pears are delicious, they should offer them to others or to adults first. A tripartite approach involving family, society, and schools emphasizes quality education for students. The high-quality education in Old Kou schools has produced generations of outstanding talents for the nation. The town’s group of local writers also enjoys national acclaim.

　　    Old Kou Sand Pear

　　    Geographical Scope

　　    Old Kou Sand Pears from Old Kou Town, Zhongxiang City, are produced in 32 villages: Dengta, Liuhu, Xiongqiao, Dongfanghong, Nongxing, Chunguang, Zhengqiao, Sanxingji, Dongfeng, Jiaofeng, Panji, Wenxiang, Shutai, Xiangjiang, Baishou, Lusa, Tianpeng, Dawangmiao, Huayuan, Liujing, Xiangling, Liutai, Heyangji, Zhendi, Lvjiatan, Luoling, Yongsheng, Mingxing, Chenwan, Wenling, Hanjiang, and Lianxing. Old Kou Town is located in the central part of Hubei Province, along the middle reaches of the Han River, 45 kilometers south of Zhongxiang City proper, covering an area of 300 square kilometers. Its geographical coordinates are between 112°07′–113°00′ east longitude and 30°42′–31°36′ north latitude. The terrain is flat, with elevations ranging from 32.5 to 41.5 meters above sea level. It borders Shilong Town of Jingshan County to the east, Duobao Town of Tianmen City to the south, faces Shayang County across the river to the west, and adjoins Chaihu Town and Changtan Town of the same city to the north.

　　    Product Quality Characteristics

　　    1. External Sensory Characteristics: Old Kou Sand Pears are mainly oval or round in shape, with rinds in yellow-green, yellow-brown, and golden-yellow hues. The color is uniform, and the surface is smooth, round, and free of bumps. Each pear weighs between 300–350g, with white flesh, a small core, and a delicate fragrance. The flesh is tender, crisp, juicy, and sweet, offering a unique flavor without any astringency—crisp and refreshing. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Old Kou Sand Pears are rich in nutrients and have a distinctive quality, helping to promote saliva production, relieve summer heat, and nourish the lungs and cool the heart. They contain over 7.8% total soluble sugar and over 80% moisture. 3. Safety Requirements: Old Kou Sand Pears comply with the standards of the Green Food Temperate Fruit specification (NY/T844-2004).