Xindu Red Melon Seeds

Xindu Red Melon Seeds

Xindu Red Melon Seeds are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　 Babu Red Melon Seeds: Mainly produced in Babu and Xindu, Hezhou City. Babu Red Melon Seeds are renowned for their large size, thick kernels, deep red color, fragrant taste, long shelf life without fading, and resistance to mold and insects. They are one of Guangxi’s famous traditional export products, sold to over 30 countries and regions worldwide.

　　Xindu Red Melon Seeds are also known as “Babu Red Melon Seeds” or “Hezhou Red Melon Seeds.” They have been cultivated in Hezhou for over 400 years and are one of the city’s traditional export products. Babu Red Melon Seeds are large in size, bright red in color, rich in flavor, and highly nutritious, making them very popular among consumers. They are not only bestsellers within and outside the region but are also exported to Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries. In 1983, they were awarded the title of “High-Quality Product” by China’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, and in 1987, they received a silver award from the same ministry. Currently, around 21,000 mu of Babu Red Melon Seeds are planted annually in Babu District, Hezhou City, yielding 1.8 million kilograms per year. As living standards improve, market demand for red melon seeds continues to grow.

　　Xindu Red Melon Seeds

　　Geographical Scope

　　The geographical indication area for Xindu Red Melon Seeds includes Xindu Town, Renyi Town, Pumen Town, Lingfeng Town, Liantang Town, Huangdong Township, Daning Town, and Butou Town in Babu District. It stretches from Daning Town in the north to Pumen Town in the south of Babu District. The geographical coordinates are between 111°12′ and 112°03′ east longitude and 23°49′ and 24°48′ north latitude. The protected area spans 4,000 hectares, with a current planting area of 1,830 hectares and an annual output of 1,592 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: The seeds are oblong in shape, measuring 11–15 mm in length and 6–9 mm in width. The surface is smooth with a waxy finish, featuring a bright, translucent deep red color with even pigmentation. The seeds are large, plump, thin-shelled, and thick-kernelled, with a rich aroma. The thousand-seed weight is 140 g, and the edible rate is 53%. The seed shells are free from cracking or damage and are highly resistant to storage. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Xindu Red Melon Seeds are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, calcium, zinc, selenium, and various vitamins, making them extremely nutritious. They contain ≥36.4% protein, ≥516 mg/kg calcium, ≥263 mg/kg magnesium, ≥93.5 mg/kg zinc, ≥0.0160 mg/kg selenium, ≥9.60 mg/100g vitamin E, ≥0.16 mg/100g vitamin B1, 30.41%–31.45% unsaturated fatty acids, and ≤5% moisture content. (3) Safety Requirements: The product must meet the hygiene and safety standards outlined in the “Pollution-Free Food Xindu Red Melon Seeds” (DB45/T157-2004).