Qinglong An Pear

Qinglong An Pear

　　Qinglong An Pear is a specialty of Qinglong County in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. The Qinglong An Pear is large in size with thin skin and has good storage capabilities. It is a major supplier of An Pears to markets in cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, and the northeastern regions.

　　Also known as sour pear, the An Pear is one of the representative varieties of the Qiuzi pear group and has a long cultivation history. The fruit is nearly round or short oval in shape, with individual fruits weighing 100–250 grams, making it a medium to large-sized fruit. It is harvested in early October. When first picked, the fruit is green but turns yellow after storage. The soluble solids content in the An Pear reaches 12.9–16.9%, including 0.90–1.43% organic acids and 8.2–10.7 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of flesh. With a high stone cell content, it stores exceptionally well and can be kept until May of the following year.

　　An Pears are cultivated throughout Qinglong County, with Guanchang Township being famously known as the “Pear Township,” primarily producing An Pears. The An Pears from Tianqiaogou in Badaohe Township are especially renowned. Qinglong An Pears are large, have thin skins, and store well, making them a primary supply source for An Pears in markets across Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, and the northeastern regions. An Pears stored in cellars develop a more delicate and unique flavor, which is highly favored by consumers. Besides being eaten fresh or made into canned products, An Pears can also be juiced, sterilized, and turned into refreshing "An Pear juice," loved by many for its cooling properties.