Luojiang Concubine Date

Luojiang Concubine Date

The Luojiang Concubine Date is a product with geographical indication status.

　　Legend has it that during the “Mawei Slope Incident” in the 15th year of the Tang Dynasty’s Tianbao era, Yang Yuhuan, the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong, did not “die beneath the soldier’s blade.” After Emperor Xuanzong ordered the execution of Yang Guozhong, the Imperial Guards still demanded Yang Guifei’s death. Caught in a dilemma, the emperor resorted to Gao Lishi’s plan: they chose a palace maid who closely resembled the concubine to take her place and die instead, while sending the real concubine away under cover of night to flee for her life. Several days later, the concubine and her party entered the territory of Luojiang County in Mianzhou. Taking a rest at a high point, she was greeted by undulating mountains, verdant pines and cypresses, birdsong mingling with the murmur of springs, and a refreshing breeze. Deeply moved, she quickly asked a woodcutter, “What place is this? Are there any temples or monasteries nearby?” The woodcutter replied, “This is Baofeng Mountain in Luojiang. There is a temple in the mountain, a sacred Buddhist site!” The concubine immediately made up her mind, sent away her attendants, disguised herself as a lay Buddhist, and took refuge in Yujia Nunnery, living the life of a nun with the daily rhythm of morning bells and evening drums. Seven days later, when the concubine looked at herself in the mirror while grooming, she was shocked to see that her once-beautiful face had lost its luster and her body had become gaunt, which filled her with sorrow. Suddenly, she remembered a pack of tribute dates in her baggage. She took them out and ate a few each day, treasuring them like gold. Half a month later, she felt refreshed and rejuvenated, her body light and comfortable, and her former beauty had returned. Miraculously, the pits from the tribute dates took root where they fell, growing into date trees that bore abundant fruit. When the locals tried the fruit, they were amazed by its sweetness, crispness, and health benefits, and rushed to plant the seeds, leading to the fruit’s continued cultivation to this day. Someone eventually discovered the concubine’s identity and the origin of the dates, and thus they came to be called “Concubine Dates.”

　　The Concubine Date is bright in color, juicy, fragrant, and pleasantly crisp and sweet. Its fresh fruit contains 27.3% sugar, along with abundant carbohydrates, amino acids, and trace elements. It also has high medicinal value, benefiting digestion, nourishing the spleen, promoting saliva and lung moisture, beautifying the skin, and enhancing vitality—all essential for health. Especially rich in Vitamin C, B, and E, regular consumption can boost immunity, promote cell metabolism, and contribute to improved health and longevity. As the ancient saying goes, “Three dates a day keep aging at bay,” and today, dates are hailed as the “king of fruits” and the “natural vitamin pill.”

　　The geographical indication protection area for Luojiang Concubine Date includes 10 towns within Luojiang County’s jurisdiction: Wan’an Town, Yuying Town, Tiaoyuan Town, Panlong Town, Yanjia Town, Xinsheng Town, Jinshan Town, Huijue Town, Lueping Town, and Baimaguan Town, covering 107 natural villages and 2 rural community committees. The geographical coordinates are longitude 104°19′ to 104°43′ and latitude 31°12′ to 31°27′, with a protected area of 3,000 hectares and an annual yield of 20,000 tons.