Xichang Pomegranates

Xichang Pomegranates

　　　Characteristics of Xichang “Large Seed Sweet” Pomegranates: This fruit is large, spherical or sub-spherical in shape, with an individual weight of 600–750 grams, and can reach up to 1050 grams at maximum. The rind is orange-yellow with a reddish hue at the base and crimson blush on the sun-exposed side. The surface is smooth and attractive. The seeds weigh 52–55 grams per hundred, are watermelon-red in color, horseshoe-shaped, with small and soft kernels that can be swallowed, hence the name “soft-seed pomegranate.” The juice is abundant, containing white needle-like crystals. It has an intense, sweet, and refreshing flavor. The ripening period is late September, about 10 days before and after the Mid-Autumn Festival.

　　Xichang “Red Skin Sweet” Pomegranates: Individual fruit weighs 350–600 grams, up to a maximum of 1000 grams. The seeds are soft, juicy, flavorful, sweet, and refreshing. The rind is bright red, and the seeds are entirely red. It contains 10.80% monosaccharides, 11.7% total sugars, and 24.7% vitamin C. It ripens in early to mid-August and is widely available around the Mid-Autumn Festival. The seeds feature a gemstone flower pattern, have good storability and transportability, and are high in vitamin C. The fruit is nutritionally rich, making it a premium, storable, and healthy variety. Besides being eaten fresh, it can also be processed, juiced, or used in winemaking.