Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo

Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo

　　    The Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo originated in Hujiahe Village, Xixiping Township, Dayong County, and has a history of over 130 years. It is said to have come from the home of Hu Guangtao, a scholar during the Qing Dynasty. According to Hu Dafu, Hu Guangtao’s grandson who is nearly seventy years old, his grandfather Hu Guangtao, as a child, noticed a small tree growing outside the courtyard wall and transplanted it into the yard. A few years later, the tree blossomed and bore fruit, which had an exceptionally good taste. Later, when Hu Guangtao went to take the imperial examination, he specially gave some of the fruit to the chief examiner. After tasting it, the examiner asked for the name of the fruit. Hu replied that it had no name. The examiner observed it closely and noticed that the pattern on the top of the fruit resembled a chrysanthemum, so he named it “Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo.” This name has been used ever since.

　　    Characteristics: The Dayong Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo is an excellent variety among pomelos. It belongs to the evergreen tree species of the Rutaceae family. This type of pomelo tree is relatively large, vigorous, and known for stable and high yields. Typically, a mature tree can produce between three to five hundred fruits per plant, with some yielding over a thousand. The mature pomelo weighs between 700 to 800 grams; the fruit is oblate in shape, with several radial patterns on the top, and the peel is deep orange-yellow, tough and not easy to peel. The flesh is light red, soft, juicy, crisp, and delicate, with a sugar content of 17%. It tastes fragrant, delicious, sweet and mildly acidic, making it a high-quality fruit that can rival the famous Guangxi Shatian Pomelo. The Dayong Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo also has good storage capabilities. The pomelos ripen in mid-November. When freshly picked, they tend to be slightly acidic, but after some time in storage, their flavor becomes richer and sweeter. They can be stored for more than six months while still maintaining their fragrant and delicious taste. The Dayong Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo is very particular about natural conditions such as soil and climate; any change in these conditions can lead to a decline in fruit quality.     Benefits: The Dayong Chrysanthemum Heart Pomelo is not only delicious and nutritious, but also offers health benefits such as improving digestion, relieving coughs, reducing phlegm, and invigorating the stomach (Zhangjiajie).