Debussy

Debussy

　　"Debussy" is a citrus variety hybridized in 1972 by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries through a cross between Aoshima and Ponkan. Known for its convenience to eat, balanced sweet and tangy flavor, crisp yet tender texture that melts in the mouth, Debussy has gained widespread popularity among consumers. It also features large fruit size, high soluble solids content, seedlessness or minimal seeds, easy-to-eat pulp, crisp and tender flesh, rich flavor, and excellent overall quality, along with advantages such as high yield potential, strong adaptability, late maturation, good storage and transport tolerance, and an extended market period.

　　　　Our county introduced and planted this variety starting in 2002. Currently, the total planting area exceeds 15,000 mu, with over 8,000 mu bearing fruit, yielding more than 12,000 tons annually. The optimal market period is around the Spring Festival. Thanks to tree-retention preservation technology, the fruit can be available even through February and March of the following year. According to expert analysis, Debussy is one of the most promising hybrid citrus varieties for the 21st century.

　　　　Based on sampling and testing conducted by experts from the Citrus Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences over three consecutive years in Zizhong, results show that this variety is rich in essential nutrients and trace elements required by the human body. Key components include vitamins A, B, C, and E, carbohydrates, carotene, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and more. In particular, its sugar content reaches 13°–14°, and can go as high as over 16°, offering a pleasantly moderate level of sweetness, with acidity below 1% upon maturity.

　　　　The "Yujingshan Brand" Debussy hybrid citrus achieved tremendous success during its trial sales at Chengdu’s Wangfujing Supermarket in late 2006. The product is now sold in major cities across China including Chongqing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Kunming, Nanjing, and Xi'an.