Guanyang Orange

Guanyang Orange

　　Guanyang Orange is one of the county’s traditional local specialties, though its origins are unclear. It was originally grown only in the areas around Wenshi and Shuiche. After the 1950s, cultivation began to spread to Xinxu, Hongqi, Xinjie, and Huangguan, and today it is most commonly planted in Wenshi, Shuiche, and Xinxu. In 1987, the county had a total of 3,984 mu under cultivation, yielding 1.6855 million kilograms of fruit. In 1990, the county had 10,127 mu under cultivation, with production reaching 4.0509 million kilograms.

　　Guanyang Orange trees are widely adaptable and vigorous in growth. Mature trees are medium to large in size, with round-topped canopies. The bark on branches is relatively dark, and the trees are densely covered with thorns. Branches are thin and short, while leaves are narrow and dark green. The trees bloom in late April and the fruits ripen in late November. The fruit is flat-round in shape, weighing 120–190 grams per piece. The peel is fine-textured, firm, bright orange-red, and glossy, with a thin skin and bright-colored flesh containing few seeds. The trees bear abundant fruit—typically over 50 kilograms per mature tree—with one 40-year-old tree in Guiyanyan, Wenshi, producing more than 500 kilograms annually.

　　Guanyang Orange is highly nutritious, with sugar content of 8–9%, acidity of 1.1–1.5%, and juice content of 43.1–61%. It is juicy, deliciously sweet and tangy, and has a fragrant aroma—these are the main qualities that set it apart from other varieties. Additionally, it can be stored for 8–9 months, and during storage, its sugar content increases by about 3% while acidity decreases by 0.2–0.5%, making it even sweeter and more aromatic. People often store it to serve as a special treat for guests.

　　Before liberation, Guanyang Orange was already well known and sold both within and beyond the county. After liberation, its exports surged, reaching destinations such as Hong Kong, Macau, and the Soviet Union. In 1956, 33,100 kilograms were exported. From 1964 to 1968, annual exports remained steady at 200,000–300,000 kilograms. After 1969, due to waning attention to Guanyang Orange production, exports began to decline, falling to just 11,800 kilograms by 1976. In the 1980s, with increased planting area and rising yields, exports resumed in 1985. By 1990, total Guanyang Orange production reached 4.6509 million kilograms, accounting for 37.73% of the county’s total citrus output.