Yangmei (Chinese bayberry) from Jingzhou

Yangmei from Jingzhou

Yangmei from Jingzhou is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Yangmei from Jingzhou is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural produce.

　　When people think of Jingzhou, the first thing that comes to mind is yangmei. The yangmei of Jingzhou has a cultivation history of over a thousand years. It is renowned for its dark purple color, balanced sweet-and-sour taste, large fruit with small pits, excellent quality, and rich nutrition. A poem in the *Jingzhou Local Chronicles* reads: "The yangmei of Mudong is especially famous, while the pears and chestnuts of Shenyuan also compete in fame. For just a few coins you can buy them by the basket—how I wish I could transplant their roots to the capital." During the Qing Dynasty, Jingzhou yangmei was an imperial tribute. Whenever "Summer Solstice" nears, the yangmei rain arrives both mysteriously and abruptly. A wave of yangmei rain, followed by sweltering sunshine, quickly turns the yangmei crimson across the hillsides. "The sun rises in the east while it rains in the west; it seems heartless, yet it's full of feeling." Only the lush, evergreen landscapes of Jingzhou truly bring out the endless charm of this timeless verse. Mudong yangmei is composed of four basic variants and twelve major cultivated varieties, forming an elite yangmei cultivar group. With large fruit size, bright color, excellent flavor, rich nutrition, natural growth traits, high productivity, economic value, and strong ecological functions, it boasts superior characteristics that make it a unique specialty resource — the only one in the province and a nationally recognized one. In 1998 and 1999, it consecutively won the Gold Award in Hunan Province’s High-Quality Fruit Competition. Large and Bright-Colored Fruit — Average fruit weight is ≥11.6g, with maximums reaching ≥28.78g. Ripe fruits show hues of purplish-red, bright red, pink, and even snow-white. Excellent Flavor — The content of protein, carbohydrates, multiple vitamins, and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium exceeds those of commercial products from Fujian and Zhejiang. Natural Quality — Due to unique adaptability and resilience, it faces minimal pest and disease pressure. Farmers continue the century-old practice of avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers, giving its natural purity an edge unmatched by other cultivated fruits — making it a rare “green food” in today’s industrial age. High Economic Value — Local fresh fruit is priced between 8–30 yuan/kg year-round, about 8–30 times that of pears, apples, or citrus. High Yield Capacity — Under standard management, a single tree can bear fruit in 4 years, reach full production between 8–10 years (with yields of ≥30kg per tree for over 50 years), and even higher yields are possible with better pruning and fertilization. Strong Ecological Role — As a perennial evergreen fruit tree, yangmei features deep roots, dense foliage, and year-round greenery. It contributes to soil and water conservation, climate regulation, air purification, landscape enhancement, and disaster reduction in natural ecosystems. With the dawn of the new century and the opportunities presented by global economic integration and China’s WTO accession, the Jingzhou County Party Committee, County Government, and local communities have assessed the situation and prioritized the development of Mudong yangmei as a key economic focus. Through innovation in science and systems, a dynamic “green industry” with sustainability and competitive advantages is rapidly emerging from these rich, mystical mountains: Large-Scale Cultivation Is Emerging — Thanks to seedling breeding and early-yield technology research, the county’s planted area spans 20,100 mu, with projected annual peak-season yields exceeding 6.03 million kg. Preservation & Transport Tech Makes Strides — A joint effort by the County Science and Technology Information Institute and Paiyashan State Forest Farm, supported by local authorities, has yielded breakthroughs in natural preservation techniques for yangmei. Most test combinations meet or exceed national standards. As this technology advances, the fruit’s enjoyment will transcend regional and seasonal limits. Food Product Development Shows Promise — The first result of high-tech yangmei processing research — a production method for fresh yangmei juice beverages — was certified by the Provincial Science and Technology Department in April 2001 as reaching advanced domestic standards. The drink is sweet, tangy, and refreshing, with potential annual output worth 110 million yuan. Earlier, the county winery’s yangmei wine won a provincial food award, while preserved yangmei earned multiple accolades including national and international recognition. Tourism Culture Blossoms — In the sweltering heat of Mangzhong season, the scenery here is spectacular: ripe yangmei fruits hang invitingly from the branches, displaying their charm. Visitors flock here, captivated either by the red highlights in the green forests or the unique taste of the fruit, enjoying both visual and culinary delights. They truly understand the phrase “seeing plums quenches thirst,” and often find themselves lingering in bliss.

　　Yangmei from Jingzhou

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected production area for the agricultural geographical indication product “Yangmei from Jingzhou” includes 52 villages across 16 townships (or management areas) in Jingzhou County: Aoshang, Gantang, Dabaozi, Sanqiu, Genshankou, Feishan, Pukou, Outuan, Pingcha, Xinchang, Hengjiangqiao, Jiangdong, Zhaiya, Wenxi, Quyang. It borders Suining to the east, Jinping County in Guizhou to the west, Huitong County to the north, and Tongdao County to the south. The geographic coordinates are between 109°14′14″ to 109°56′36″ east longitude and 26°15′25″ to 26°47′35″ north latitude. The total area is 2,800 hectares, with an annual output of 8,600 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: The fruit is relatively large, with an average single fruit weight of 11.6 grams and a maximum of up to 30 grams. The flesh is abundant, the pit is small, the shape is spherical, and there are radial grooves on the fruit top extending to the middle. The flesh pillars are round and blunt, with an oily sheen. The color transitions from red to dark purple, and the taste is pleasantly sweet and sour. 　　2. Internal Quality Indicators: The fruit features bright color, thick and juicy flesh, and excellent quality. It contains 10%–14% soluble solids, 0.9%–1.5% total acidity, ≥8.3% sucrose, and ≥25mg/Kg vitamin C. It is not only highly nutritious but also has refreshing and appetite-stimulating properties. 　　3. Quality and Safety Standards: Yangmei from Jingzhou strictly adheres to the green food safety standards and pollution-free fruit production guidelines issued by the Ministry of Agriculture. Specific standards include: NY/T391-2000 Technical Specifications for Green Food Production Environment, NY/T393-2000 Guidelines for Pesticide Use in Green Food, NY/T394-2000 Guidelines for Fertilizer Use in Green Food, and compliance with the safety requirements of the Pollution-Free Citrus and Other Fruit Products Standard (NY5014-2005).