Danling Tangerines

Danling Tangerines

Danling tangerines are a product with a geographical indication for agricultural produce.

　　     Danling tangerines are gourd-shaped or obovate, medium to large in size, with flat fruit tops and slightly indented stems. The peel is orange, somewhat coarse, and easy to remove. The flesh is orange-colored, crisp, tender, easy to separate, richly sweet, juicy, and seedless—making them a premium quality fruit.

　　   The high-quality tangerines of Danling include various premium varieties such as “Dekopon,” Qinqian, Chunjian, Aiyuan, and others. Each is a new citrus variety with excellent flavor and top-tier quality, and all have their unique characteristics. Their common traits are thin, easy-to-peel skins and abundant juice. Among them: “Dekopon” is exceptionally sweet, crisp, and refreshing, and can be eaten in large quantities without causing internal heat; Chunjian has rich, plump flesh with a pleasantly sweet taste; Qinqian is soft, juicy, and rich with the fragrant aroma of sweet oranges, offering a delicate mouthfeel; Aiyuan features full, delicate, and smooth flesh with a well-balanced sweet and sour taste; Chunjing combines the characteristics of oranges and pomelos, with greenish skin and a crisp, fresh, and smooth taste.

　　   Currently, Danling has become one of the largest production bases of “Dekopon” in China. While developing Dekopon, the area also actively cultivates several other types of high-quality tangerines, each with unique qualities. This has formed a development pattern where “Dekopon” is the main variety, supplemented by Qinqian, Chunjian, Aiyuan, Chunjing, and others. The county’s planting area of high-quality tangerines, primarily Dekopon, covers 110,000 mu, with a total annual output of over 150,000 tons and an average fruit yield per farmer of 1.15 tons. According to Danling County’s planning, by the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the county’s high-quality tangerine planting area will reach 200,000 mu.

　　Danling Tangerines

　　     Geographic Scope

　　   Danling tangerines are produced in Danling County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province. The protected geographical indication area for agricultural products includes six towns (townships) within Danling County: Danling Town, Yangchang Town, Shuangqiao Town, Renmei Town, Zhangchang Town, and Shiqiao Township—encompassing 65 villages. The geographic coordinates are between 103°19′–103°35′ east longitude and 29°52′–30°08′ north latitude. It borders Dongpo District of Meishan City to the east, Jiajiang County to the south, Hongya County to the west, and Pujiang County to the north. The protected area spans 210,000 mu, with an annual production of 150,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　  (1) External Sensory Characteristics: Danling tangerines are gourd-shaped or obovate, medium to large in size, with flat fruit tops and slightly indented stems. The peel is orange, somewhat coarse, and easy to remove. The flesh is orange-colored, crisp, tender, easy to separate, richly sweet, juicy, and seedless—making them a premium quality fruit. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Danling tangerines have an edible rate of ≥60%, soluble solids content of ≥13%, and are rich in vitamin C. (3) Safety Requirements: They meet the safety standards outlined in the “Pollution-Free Citrus Fruits” (NY5014-2005) criteria.