Shenong Plum

Shenong Plum

　　Shenong Plum is a specialty of Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province.

　　Shenong Plum is a specialty of Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province. It is named after its origin in the homeland of Shennong (the legendary “Divine Farmer”) and because it differs from ordinary plums. When ripe, the skin of the Shenong Plum turns a purple-red color, giving it an attractive appearance, and it is covered with a grayish powder on the surface, hence it is also called "Gray-Purple Plum." The fruit is large, with an average single fruit weight of 82.8 grams, and the largest can reach 135 grams. It has a small pit, with up to 96% edible portion, a sweet and sour flavor, and a rich aroma. Currently, there are over 50,000 mu (about 3,333 hectares) of Shenong Plum orchards in Suixian County, with a yield of up to 10 million kilograms.

　　Shenong Plum has the effects of clearing liver heat and promoting body fluid production. It can treat toothache, dysentery, leukorrhea, constipation, abdominal swelling in women, and edema, among other conditions. It can also be used to remove freckles and neutralize scorpion venom.

　　Shenong Plum is a newly developed specialty of Suizhou and has been listed as a leading product in the city’s diversified agricultural operations. This variety is an excellent result of grafting between peach and plum trees. It is high-yielding, purely flavored, sweet and delicious, and is quite popular among consumers. Initially successfully trial-planted in Shuanghe Town in western Suizhou, it was later promoted throughout the city. The annual production of Shenong Plum reaches 18,000 tons, with promising market demand. Plans are underway to expand cultivation by 6,700 hectares across 10 towns and villages centered around Shangshi Town, aiming to establish a stable and high-yield Shenong Plum production belt.