Tanmai Watermelon

Tanmai Watermelon

Tanmai Watermelon is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Tanmai Watermelon is grown in the Tanmai area within Liangcunwei, Liangcun. It is harvested three times a year, is relatively small in size—about 1000 grams each—and is named after its place of origin, Tanmai. The watermelon has a greenish exterior that is smooth and tender, with a thin rind and few seeds. Its flesh is bright red, juicy, sweet, honey-scented, and seedless, earning it the reputation of the “king of melons.” In 2013, the planting area was approximately 240 acres, with a yield of 735 tons and an output value of over 2.2 million yuan.

　　Tanmai Watermelon is called “Little Red Treasure.” It has a small fruit shape, weighing 1.5–3 kilograms per melon, with a thin rind and bright red, sweet, and crisp flesh. It can be planted three times a year without the need for crop rotation. The root system of Tanmai Watermelon grows deep and wide, making it adaptable to a broad range of soil conditions, though it thrives best in sandy loam soil with good water and nutrient retention. When the plant has grown 5–7 leaves after transplanting, it is topped. Once 4–5 vines have emerged (i.e., when the vines are about 50 cm long), 3–4 strong main vines are selected and retained, while the others are pruned. The main vines of each plant are separated and fixed using small bamboo skewers. When the fruit reaches the size of a teacup, it is topped to control growth. Selection of fruits is generally done around 3 days after fruit set, with only 3–4 uniformly growing, well-colored fruits kept on each of the 3–4 main vines per plant, and all others removed. This ensures the fruits grow uniformly in size, typically reaching a standard weight of 2–3 kilograms.

　　A local legend is also associated with Tanmai Watermelon: Liang Songgang, whose courtesy name was Xingzhi and who was from Liangcun in Huaiji, was selected as a tribute scholar in the 13th year of the Jiajing Emperor’s reign during the Ming Dynasty, at the age of 46 (1534 AD). During his tenure, he was beloved by the people like a father, achieved remarkable governance, and was revered as a divine magistrate. He was highly regarded by his superiors and was soon promoted to the position of Magistrate of Nanhai County, concurrently overseeing (administering) Panyu and Shunde. On one occasion, while returning home to visit family, he passed by a watermelon field in Tanmai. He tried the locally produced watermelons and found them bright red, sweet, and crisp. Upon returning to Nanhai County, he was overcome with nostalgia and thus began to ask relatives and friends to bring Tanmai Watermelon from Liangcun every year for his family and friends to enjoy. Knowing that the “divine magistrate” loved Tanmai Watermelon, the locals made it a custom.

　　The production area of Tanmai Watermelon includes the administrative regions of Liangcun Town, Gangping Town, Manying Town, Lengkeng Town, and Dagang Town under the jurisdiction of Huaiji County, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province.