Three Gorges Specialty -- Citrus Fruits

Three Gorges Specialty -- Citrus Fruits

　　Yichang has a long history of producing citrus fruits. Qu Yuan’s “Ode to the Orange” proves that Yichang had been cultivating oranges for at least over two thousand years. Thanks to its superior geographical and climatic conditions, citrus cultivation in Yichang today far exceeds the scale of “a thousand trees,” ranking first in the province. In 1991, the yield reached 130,000 tons and there are numerous high-quality varieties. Navel Orange: Named for the small secondary fruit that grows at the top of the main fruit and expands with it, eventually splitting to form a navel-like appearance. Also known as Baozi Orange or Seedless Orange. The fruit matures into a round shape; when fully ripe, it appears orange-red, with crisp, fragrant flesh that is sweet, juicy, tender, and virtually pulp-free. Besides being exported to Hong Kong and Macau, it is also shipped to the United States, Canada, Australia, Albania, and other countries. (Yichang)