Zhangwan Han River Cherries

Zhangwan Han River Cherries

Zhangwan Han River Cherries are a product with geographical indication.

　　Zhangwan Han River Cherries are a specialty of Zhangwan District, Shiyan City, Hubei Province.

　　“Zhangwan Han River Cherries” have distinct regional characteristics and are a premium fruit unique to the Shiyan area. The Han River cherry is both ornamental in bloom and delicious as fruit, earning it the title of “the first fruit of spring.” It generally begins flowering in early March, unfolds leaves in mid to late March, and ripens from mid-April to early May. The fruit is bright in color, translucent in appearance, large with thin skin, juicy and thick-fleshed, rich in flavor, sweet and refreshing, and is often praised as the “diamond of fruits,” beloved by many.

　　The cultivation history of Zhangwan Han River Cherries spans over a hundred years. A local folk song says, “Cherries are delicious but hard to grow; without hard work, the blossoms won’t show.” According to the “Yunxian Annals” (compiled in the Tongzhi era, year Bingyin), under the section on local produce, it is recorded: “Cherry—known in the lunar calendar as ‘han tao,’ also called ‘jing tao.’ The larger ones are the size of marbles, the smaller like beads. Southerners call them ‘ying zhu’ (cherry pearls).” Zhangwan Street Office of Zhangwan District is located in the northern part of Shiyan urban area, situated in the core district of Shiyan. The production area lies between the Qinling Mountains, Daba Mountains, and Wudang Mountains, belonging to the eastern extension of the Qinling and Daba Mountain ranges. The region features beautiful mountains and rivers, crisscrossing streams and valleys, and lush vegetation coverage. Influenced by cultural heritage, geographical location, specific environment, superior plant strains, and technological advancement, the cultivation of Han River cherries boasts a long and storied history. This has led to cherries that are now known for their yellow-red hue, thick and delicious flesh, and off-season availability, earning widespread acclaim across Hubei and neighboring regions. Coupled with the annual “Han River Cherry Festival,” the fame of Han River cherries continues to grow. The annual income from Zhangwan Han River Cherries reaches over 40 million yuan.

　　Region:

　　Hubei

　　Applicant:

　　Shiyan Zhangwan District Agricultural Technology Service Center

　　Region:

　　2014

　　Geographical Scope

　　The production area of Zhangwan Han River Cherries covers five villages under the jurisdiction of Hanjiang Street Office in Zhangwan District, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. Its geographic coordinates lie between 110°43′–110°48′ east longitude and 32°41′–32°45′ north latitude, at an altitude of 150–600 meters. The total planted area is 380 hectares, with an annual yield of 4,000 tons and an output value of 40 million yuan.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Zhangwan Han River Cherries are oval-shaped with a bluntly rounded fruit apex. The berries are larger than those of ordinary cherry varieties, with stems about 3.0 cm long, individual fruit diameter of 1.6–2.0 cm, average weight of 3.0 g per fruit, thin skin, pale yellow flesh, bright and glossy appearance when ripe, small pits, and a sweet, refreshing taste. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Soluble sugar ≥10%, titratable acid ≤0.7%, soluble solids ≥12%. 3. Safety Requirements: Safety indicators comply with GB18406.2-2001 “Safety Requirements for Non-Polluted Fruits under Agricultural Product Quality Standards.”