Danzhou Shatian Pomelo

Danzhou Shatian Pomelo

　　The "Danzhou Shatian Pomelo" gets its name from Danzhou Village in Sanjiang County. Introduced from Shatian Village in Rongxian County in 1903, the Danzhou Shatian Pomelo has undergone over a century of acclimatization and cultivation to develop its unique characteristics. As early as 1963, it was awarded a national gold medal. With the successful development of Danzhou tourism, the pomelo’s visibility has been further enhanced and it has become a renowned brand both within the region and beyond.

　　In recent years, local governments have been developing the "Danzhou Shatian Pomelo" as a pillar industry to boost farmers' incomes. The annual "Pomelo Blossom Festival" and "Pomelo Festival" are held in Danzhou Village, the place of origin, to promote the Danzhou Shatian Pomelo. Currently, the pomelo is cultivated on 3,500 acres across the county, with an annual output of 7,000 tons. In 2010, the regional Department of Agriculture designated Danzhou Village as a "Demonstration Site of Guangxi Eco-Agricultural Tourism Premium Routes" and invested funds to build a Danzhou Shatian Pomelo exhibition garden and exhibition hall. In 2014, the project "Agricultural Standard Garden Construction" was granted by the regional Department of Agriculture, further elevating the status and fame of the Danzhou Shatian Pomelo.

　　The Danzhou Shatian Pomelo fruits are harvested in late October (after Frost’s Descent). They can generally be stored simply for 120 to 150 days, but with scientific storage methods, the preservation period can extend up to 200 days. Apart from being eaten fresh, the flesh can also be processed into juice and jam. The peel can be used to cook a variety of distinctive dishes. Both the peel and the inner membrane can be made into high-grade pectin. The outer oily layer can be cold-pressed to extract premium aromatic oil. The seeds can be used medicinally and also to extract essential oils. The pomelo blossoms not only have ornamental value but can also be refined to extract head concrete, a key ingredient in high-end cosmetics. Truly, every part of the pomelo is valuable.

　　Information source: Guangxi Agricultural Specialties Collection