Shenwan Pineapple

Shenwan Pineapple

Shenwan Pineapple is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Pineapple, also known as "fengli," is native to the tropical regions of Brazil in South America. It was introduced to Macau by Portuguese missionaries in the mid-16th century and later brought to various parts of Guangdong. It was subsequently cultivated in provinces such as Guangxi, Fujian, and Taiwan. After years of selective breeding, numerous varieties have been developed. Pineapple has been cultivated in China for over 400 years.

　　The pineapple produced in Shenwan Town, Zhongshan City, is known as "Shenwan Pineapple." Shenwan is backed by mountains and faces the sea, enjoying abundant rainfall and fertile soil, making it particularly suitable for pineapple cultivation. Through long-term selection and breeding, Shenwan Pineapples typically weigh about one jin (approximately 500 grams) each. They feature a golden-yellow color, thin skin, thick flesh, and—most remarkably—fine, crisp, and juicy pulp without any fibrous residue. Their sweet and fragrant taste lacks acidity, leaving a lingering aroma in the mouth that lasts for a long time.

　　There are generally four ways to enjoy Shenwan Pineapple: First, eating it fresh after peeling, which eliminates the need to soak it in saltwater as is common with pineapples from other regions, offering a burst of fragrance with every bite; second, juicing it for a refreshing drink that is rich in aroma and perfect for beating the heat; third, cooking it into "Pineapple Chicken," a renowned banquet dish; and fourth, canning it to create a travel-friendly delicacy.

　　Zhongshan’s famous Shenwan Pineapple originally came in two varieties: one with large fruit that left a numbing sensation in the mouth after eating, known as the old variety, which no longer exists; the other is the new variety, also called the "Jinshan Variety," now widely recognized as Shenwan Pineapple. This variety has yellow skin, shallow eyes, and an edible core. Since the 1920s, residents of Shenwan Town have been cultivating pineapples. Between 1937 and 1939, pineapple cultivation reached its peak, with nearly every household growing the fruit—some planted 2,000–3,000 plants, while others grew as many as 8,000–10,000.

　　Shenwan Pineapple is not only well-known within China but also enjoys international acclaim. Carrying the heartfelt sentiments of the people of Zhongshan, it has crossed oceans and gained worldwide recognition. This is Zhongshan’s famous specialty—Shenwan Pineapple.

　　The production area of Shenwan Pineapple covers the current administrative region of Shenwan Town, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province.