Xichang Grapes

Xichang Grapes

　　Xichang Grapes – National Famous, Special, and High-Quality New Agricultural Product of 2015

　　Xichang City has abundant, unpolluted sunlight, heat, water, and air resources, making it an ideal area for grape cultivation. Grape planting density is high, yields are substantial, economic returns are favorable, and farmer enthusiasm is strong. Through introduction trials and demonstrations, early-maturing Jingxiu, mid-maturing Jufeng, late-maturing Hongti, and Kyoho are primarily promoted.

　　1. Jingxiu

　　An Eurasian variety with small berries, averaging 7–9 grams per berry and 250–600 grams per cluster. The fruit is red, richly sweet, with firm flesh that can be sliced. It can hang on the vine for two months after ripening without wrinkling or spoiling, allowing for staged harvesting as needed. Ripens in mid-June. This early-maturing variety is known for its early harvest, excellent quality, good storability, and suitability for transport.

　　2. Jufeng

　　An American-European hybrid with large berries, averaging 12 grams per berry and 250–600 grams per cluster. The fruit is deep purple-black, juicy, sweet, and aromatic, with rich flavor and excellent quality. It ripens in late July. This variety is prized for its quality, disease resistance, vigorous growth, and is the most widely planted mid-season grape in southern China.

　　3. Hongti

　　Also known as Late Red, Red Globe, or American Red Globe. An Eurasian variety with berries weighing 13–18 grams, averaging 800 grams per cluster. It colors well, with bright red, glossy fruit and firm, crisp white flesh that is sweet and of high quality. This high-yielding, vigorous-growing variety is resistant to transport and storage but less resistant to disease, requiring rain-sheltered cultivation. It is a major late-season export variety currently being extensively developed in Xichang.

　　4. Kyoho (Kelunsheng)

　　Also known as Kerui Sheng. An Eurasian variety with berries weighing 7 grams and averaging 600 grams per cluster. The fruit is bright red, with firm, crisp flesh and a pure, sweet taste. It is seedless and of high quality, ripening in early September. The variety is vigorous, high-yielding, transport-friendly, but less disease-resistant and requires rain protection. It is a promising seedless late-season grape variety.

　　Currently, the city’s fresh grape cultivation area exceeds 8,000 mu, with a production volume of over 1,800 tons. It has been certified as a pollution-free fruit production base by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture. Among these, the Hongti grapes feature excellent coloring, top-tier quality, minimal pests and diseases, and an average cluster weight of around 800g. With soluble solids content between 15–16%, their firm, crisp flesh makes them extremely suitable for storage and transport. These grapes have been successfully exported to cities such as Chengdu and Guangzhou, where they are highly favored by consumers.