Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines

Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines

Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines originate from Zhongxiang, Hubei Province, known as the "Land of Longevity" in China. Grown in an eco-friendly environment and irrigated with unpolluted spring water, these tangerines have tender, pulp-free flesh that won’t cause excessive internal heat even when consumed in large quantities. They are an excellent choice for home beauty care and longevity. Awarded the Gold Prize at the Hubei Provincial Agricultural Expo.

　　Spring Water Tangerines (scientific name: Citrus reticulata), also referred to as Spring Water Tangerines, are a type of fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family, Citrus genus. The fruit has a thick rind enclosing juicy segments made up of pulp vesicles and seeds. With their bright color and sweet-tart flavor, Spring Water Tangerines are a popular and delicious fruit commonly enjoyed in autumn and winter.

　　They are the ripe fruits of various types of Spring Water Tangerines such as Fortunella or Citrus species. Often grouped together with regular oranges and referred to generally as citrus tangerines, they are brightly colored, sweet and tangy, and among the most common fruits in daily life. With a sweet and slightly sour taste and warm nature, Spring Water Tangerines enter the lung and stomach meridians; they help stimulate appetite, regulate qi, quench thirst, and moisten the lungs. They are used to treat chest congestion, nausea with reduced appetite, gastric yin deficiency, dry mouth, lung heat cough, and excessive alcohol consumption. Spring Water Tangerines are also highly nutritious — a single tangerine can nearly fulfill the daily vitamin C requirement for an average person.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines are produced in eight administrative towns, reservoirs, and management areas within Zhongxiang City, including Zhangji Town, Changshou Town, Yangzi Town, Kedian Town, Wengxia Reservoir, Shimen Reservoir, Huangpo Reservoir, and Guanzhuanghu Management Area, spanning 90 villages. Zhongxiang City is located in central Hubei Province, along the middle reaches of the Han River, at the northern edge of the Jianghan Plain, in the transitional zone between the Jianghan Plain and the northern Hubei uplands. The city covers an area of 4,488 square kilometers. Its geographical coordinates are between 112°07′–113°00′ east longitude and 30°42′–31°36′ north latitude. The terrain consists of hills, plains, and mountainous areas in a ratio of 5:3:2, with elevations ranging from 32.5 to 1,051 meters. It borders Jingshan County to the east, Tianmen City and Shayang County to the south, Jingmen City to the west, and Yicheng City and Suizhou City to the north. The annual cultivated area of Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines is around 40,000 mu, with a total output of approximately 26,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines are short conical in shape, with thin, orange-yellow, smooth skin; sparse and distinct oil glands, and a flat, round fruit apex. The flesh is tender and easy to separate from the peel; the juice is abundant, sweet and tart with a rich flavor. Each fruit weighs between 180–280g, with a solid central core and a fragrant aroma. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines are uniquely high-quality and nutrient-rich, with potassium content ≥480mg/kg, titratable acid ≤0.6%, and vitamin C 180–380mg/kg. (3) Quality and Safety Standards: Zhongxiang Spring Water Tangerines comply with the pollution-free citrus production technical specifications.