Xixian Pears

Xixian Pears

Xixian Pears are a product with a geographical indication.

　　The pear is one of China’s native fruit trees. Records such as “There are oak trees on the mountain and pears in the lowlands” can be found in “Odes of Qin · Morning Wind” from the Book of Songs. Xixian Pears have won the Quality Product Award 38 times, were named “China's Gold Pear Hometown” by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1999, and were designated as “China’s Crisp Pear Hometown” by the Ministry of Forestry in 2011. In 2007, Yulu Fragrant Pears were selected as the official fruit for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games by the Chinese Olympic Committee. In 2010, they were chosen as the designated fruit supplier for Jin Temple Hotel. Xixian Pears are a key industry in Xixian County, receiving strong support from the government. Over the past decade, the county government has developed 100,000 mu of pear orchards, yielding an annual production of 200,000 tons. In 2013, after passing the registration and certification process for geographical indication agricultural products, the reputation and sales volume of Xixian Pears further expanded. The county has 13,334 hectares of pear orchards, including 6,667 hectares in full fruit-bearing stage, producing 200,000 tons of high-quality pears annually. Xixian Pears are grown at altitudes between 950 and 1,450 meters. The fruits are brightly colored, well-shaped, high in sugar content, and have a pure flavor. They are widely sold to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan, and are also exported to countries and regions including Russia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Xixian County is located on the northwestern edge of Linfen City, along the central axis of the Lüliang Mountain anticline. It spans longitude 110°55′–115°15′ east and latitude 36°30′–36°55′ north. It borders Fenxi to the east, Yonghe to the west, Pu County and Daning to the south, and Shilou and Jiaokou to the north. The county stretches 45 kilometers from east to west and 52 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 1,415.3 square kilometers. It governs 8 towns and 90 administrative villages, with a total population of 100,000. Currently, there are 6,667 hectares of pear orchards with an annual production of 200,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Xixian Pears have tender flesh, a sweet flavor, and no grittiness. The fruit surface is smooth, delicate, and covered with a waxy layer, giving it strong water retention. The sun-exposed side features a red blush or dark red longitudinal stripes. Upon harvest, the skin is yellow-green but turns yellow after storage, becoming even more vibrant in color. The peel is thin, the core is small, and the edible portion is high (90%). 2. Internal Quality: The flesh is white, crisp, free of grit, with very few stone cells, abundant juice, a sweet taste, and a fragrant aroma, offering an excellent mouthfeel. Total sugar content is ≥6%; total dietary fiber is ≥0.8%; vitamin C is ≥3mg/100g; vitamin B1 is ≥20μg/100g; vitamin B2 is ≥200μg/100g; calcium is ≥3.0mg/100g; iron is ≥0.05mg/100g; phosphorus is ≥8.0mg/100g; potassium is ≥50mg/100g, indicating exceptional quality. 3. Storage Requirements: The fruit has good storage capability—it can be kept for 4 to 6 months in natural earthen caves and 6 to 8 months in constant-temperature cold storage.