"Tianxianhong" Pomegranate

"Tianxianhong" Pomegranate

　　The Beixuezhuang Pomegranate Orchard is located at the foot of Baodu Mountain, 2 kilometers west of Luquan City. With a long history, it is associated with a beautiful legend. It is said that a fairy, while visiting Baodu Mountain, discovered this precious piece of land at the mountain's base. She then descended to the mortal world, changed her name to Liu Xian, married a local farmer named Xue Chun, and later planted pomegranates of exceptional quality. As early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, Beixuezhuang pomegranates were famous across Beijing, Tianjin, and the surrounding hundreds of miles, and are mentioned in publications such as *Records of Shijiazhuang Scenery*, *Shijiazhuang Daily*, and *Legends of Baodu Mountain*.

　　In recent years, the pomegranate cultivation in Beixuezhuang has seen new development, with nearly 1,000 acres under cultivation and an annual output of 50,000 kilograms. The varieties are premium, including "Darongpao," "Tianhongdan," and "Jingpitian," with an average single fruit weight of 400 grams,

　　and a maximum of up to 750 grams. These pomegranates are known for their large size, attractive color, abundant juice, rich nutrition, and sweet-and-sour refreshing taste. Regular consumption can promote saliva production, aid digestion, reduce blood lipids and cholesterol, help prevent coronary heart disease and hypertension, and is even believed to have anti-cancer effects. Since ancient times, there have also been legends about the pomegranate such as "a hundred seeds in one fruit," "a thousand chambers under one skin," and "a hundred seeds as one." It symbolizes prosperity, harmony, unity, and having numerous descendants — a legacy that continues. The pomegranates ripen during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, making them an auspicious and festive gift for family and friends. (Luquan)