Dongshi Melons

Dongshi Melons

Dongshi Melons are a recognized Geographical Indication (GI) agricultural product.

　　Dongshi Town has vigorously developed its specialty agriculture and actively promoted the melon industry to help farmers achieve prosperity. The town has seen the emergence of over 10 specialized cooperatives such as Lüjian LinGuo, Dongshi Xingmin Melon & Fruit, and Guangcheng Melon & Fruit, covering 12 villages and attracting more than a thousand farming households.

　　At present, the pollution-free melon cultivation area in Dongshi Town has reached 12,000 mu, including 3,000 mu of standardized melon production demonstration bases. Cooperatives and melon-growing villages have taken the initiative to jointly establish two large-scale melon sales and trading platforms in the central production areas—Guihua Village and Caodian Village—handling an average daily sales volume of 300 tons.

　　Meanwhile, melon production cooperatives, brokers, and relevant government departments have closely collaborated to foster a “sweet industry” for melon growers. Merchants from across the country are warmly invited, with a continuous stream of buyers coming for orders and joint sales. Nearly 20 buyers from cities such as Yichang, Jingzhou, Jingmen, Wuhan, and Changsha have visited and placed orders totaling 5,000 tons. In the future, leveraging the momentum of the “Village Taobao” initiative, online platforms will be used to sell melons across the nation. It is projected that the annual melon yield will reach 36,000 tons, generating an output value of 72 million yuan and bringing increased income and prosperity to over a thousand farmers.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic area of Dongshi Melons is centered around Guihua Village in Dongshi Town, Zhijiang City, and encompasses 16 villages in Dongshi Town, 3 villages in Anfushi Town, and 3 villages in Xiannv Town, totaling 22 administrative villages across 3 towns. The area extends east to Shigangqiao Village in Dongshi Town, south to Gaosigang Village, west to Baiyangchong Village in Anfushi Town, and north to Zhangjiawan Village in Xiannv Town. The geographical coordinates are between 111°32′–111°42′ east longitude and 30°23′–30°32′ north latitude. The core melon cultivation area of Dongshi Melons spans 9,000 mu, with a total protected cultivation area of 26,000 mu and an annual output of 91,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: The main cultivar of Dongshi Melons is the thin-skinned, thick-flesh variety “Cuìyù” series. The fruit is pear-shaped or broadly pear-shaped, weighing at least 1,000g per melon. The rind is grayish-green with visible dark green or deep blue-green stripes, and the surface is smooth. The flesh has a high edible ratio, with a light yellow-green color, crisp sweetness, and a pleasant aroma. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Dongshi Melons contain ≥8% soluble sugar, ≤0.18% total acid, ≥11.5% soluble solids, and ≥150 mg/kg vitamin C. Quality and Safety Standards: The production environment for Dongshi Melons meets the requirements of the “Pollution-Free Vegetable Production Environment Conditions” (NY5010-2002). During cultivation, agricultural inputs are used appropriately, and the use of highly toxic or banned pesticides is strictly prohibited. The application of pesticides and fertilizers complies with the “Guidelines for Rational Pesticide Use” (GB/T8321.1-8321.7) and the “General Rules for Rational Fertilizer Use” (NY/T496-2010). Strict adherence to pesticide safety intervals is enforced, and only melons that pass pesticide residue testing are allowed to enter the market.