Xinning Navel Oranges

Xinning Navel Oranges

Xinning navel oranges are a geographical indication protected product.

　　Xinning navel oranges are a new variety cultivated by the agricultural department of Xinning County from Washington navel oranges and have a cultivation history of nearly 60 years. From 1979 to 1981, they participated in the National Citrus Evaluation Conference hosted by the Chinese Research Institute for three consecutive years and were rated as first-class high-quality individual plants nationwide every year. In 1980, Xinning County was designated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Foreign Trade as one of the four major navel orange production and export base counties in China. In 1979, it was named one of the four major national navel orange production bases. After more than 20 years of development, the industry now covers an area of 100,000 mu, with an annual output of 60,000 tons and an annual output value exceeding 100 million yuan. Xinning navel oranges have smooth skin, yellowish-red color, tender flesh, moderate sweetness and acidity, and a crisp, juicy texture with no residue. They have won multiple gold awards for high-quality agricultural products from the Ministry of Agriculture and Hunan Province, and their products are sold well in major markets at home and abroad, and exported to Southeast Asia, Canada, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 2002, they were awarded the "Hunan Provincial Famous Brand Agricultural Product Certificate."

　　Through long-term production practice and scientific research, Xinning navel oranges have developed a complete planting technology system. The Xinning navel oranges produced under an optimal ecological environment and high-quality cultivation techniques feature delicate and smooth skin, bright orange-red color, fresh and juicy flesh, crisp and tender texture with no residue, moderate sweetness and acidity, rich and sweet flavor, strong aroma, premium quality, good preservation and storage capacity, and long shelf life. Testing shows that Xinning navel oranges contain 12.5%–13% sugar, 1.1%–1.14% acid, a sugar-acid ratio of 11.4:1, and 12%–13% soluble solids. After harvesting, the fruits are stored individually in preservation bags, and by April–May of the following year, they can still maintain their original flavor. Following being awarded the gold prize at the National High-Quality Agricultural Products Expo hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1989 (they also participated in the National High-Quality Fruits Fair in Shanghai, where they were rated as ministry-level high-quality citrus, winning the Ministry of Agriculture’s Gold Prize and Certificate), Xinning navel oranges were awarded the Gold Quality Award for three consecutive years in the Hunan Provincial High-Quality Fruits Evaluation from 1997 to 1999.

　　Currently, Xinning navel oranges are sold well in major cities across the country and in the Hong Kong and Macao markets, and are exported to countries such as Southeast Asia and the Russian Federation. Navel oranges have become a pillar industry of Xinning’s economy, with an annual output value of over 200 million yuan. This industry not only supports half of Xinning’s agricultural sector but also drives the development of tourism, transportation, processing, catering, and other industries in Xinning. In recent years, the navel orange cultivation area in Xinning County has expanded to nearly 6,670 hectares, with an annual output of 60,000–70,000 tons. To meet the needs of market competition after joining the WTO and to further strengthen the navel orange industry, Xinning County has established a 3.7-hectare virus-free elite navel orange parent orchard, introducing more than 20 new varieties including Newhall, Chaweilina, and red-flesh navel oranges, laying the foundation for the sustainable development of Xinning navel oranges.

　　In 1990, this variety was promoted to provinces such as Guangxi, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Zhejiang, as well as most prefectures and cities in Hunan Province.

　　The production area of Xinning navel oranges covers the current administrative regions of ten townships in Xinning County, Hunan Province: Shuimiao Town, Feixianqiao Township, Wantang Township, Jinshi Town, Langshan Town, Baisha Town, Huanglong Town, Qingjiangqiao Township, Gaoqiao Town, and Huilongsi Town.