Persimmons of Jiuzhaigou

Persimmons of Jiuzhaigou

The persimmons of Jiuzhaigou are a Geographical Indication (GI) agricultural product.

　　Jiuzhaigou is the only place in China honored with three prestigious titles: “World Natural Heritage,” “UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,” and “Green Globe 21.” It is also acclaimed as a “fairyland on earth” due to its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity. Its unique natural ecological environment is abundant in deciduous fruit trees, including approximately 132,000 persimmon trees. Jiuzhaigou was formerly known as Nanping (under the jurisdiction of Songpan County) and was renamed Jiuzhaigou County in 1998 to enhance the region’s visibility. The area has a long history of persimmon cultivation. According to the *Songpan County Annals*, the Nanping region was known for its persimmons: “When eaten fresh, they are sweet, smooth, cool, and refreshing; when peeled and dried, they are called persimmon cakes—sweet, cool, and slightly astringent.” The *Nanping County Annals* also recorded: “The persimmon tree is one of the important economic tree species in Nanping, introduced around the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.” Experts have identified that Jiuzhaigou still has a small number of persimmon trees over 150 years old, which continue to bear abundant fruit. These ancient trees have been designated as protected heritage trees. Over time, through continuous cultivation and development, Jiuzhaigou persimmons have been planted in planned groves along the Jiuhuan (Nine-Ring) Scenic Route, forming standardized demonstration bases covering 3,400 mu. Every autumn, the bright and beautiful persimmon fruits resemble the blushing cheeks of charming maidens surrounding the goddess of color, Smo, in Jiuzhaigou. The turning red persimmon leaves rival maple foliage, adding a splendid attraction to Jiuzhaigou’s tourism. The Jiuzhaigou persimmons are large in size, superior in quality, and rich in nutrients. In recent years, they have been showcased at multiple international and national agricultural product expos, receiving high praise and earning the title of “Famous and High-Quality Agricultural Product.” Currently, there are three persimmon processing enterprises in Jiuzhaigou County. Their products—including persimmon cakes, persimmon wine, and persimmon candy—are highly favored by consumers and tourists, indicating broad prospects for industrial development.

　　Production Area

　　The persimmon production area of Jiuzhaigou is located within Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan Province. The geographical indication protection area includes 12 townships (or towns): Lingjiang, Baihe, Yongle, Anle, Yongfeng, Baohua, Shuanghe, Guoyuan, Yonghe, Luoyi, Wujiao, and Majia. The geographical coordinates are between 104°02′–104°26′ east longitude and 32°86′–33°48′ north latitude. Jiuzhaigou County is situated in the northern part of the northwestern plateau of Sichuan Province. It borders Wen County, Zhouqu County, and Diebu County of Gansu Province to the east and north, and adjoins Pingwu County, Songpan County, and Ruoergai County of Sichuan Province to the south and west. The protected area spans 1,800 hectares with an annual output of 40,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Jiuzhaigou persimmons are large, flat-round, and orange-red in color. The fruit top is flat and round with short vertical radiating grooves, and the fruit shoulder is flat. The stem is small, with a shallow stem cavity and reflexed calyx lobes at right angles. The flesh is deep orange-red, fine-textured, with few and long fibers, and has a sweet taste. The seeds are small and few. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Jiuzhaigou persimmons are rich in nutrients, with total sugar ≥10%, vitamin C ≥15mg/100g, and calcium ≥58mg/100g. (3) Safety Requirements: They comply with the standards of *Pollution-Free Food – Persimmons* NY5241-2004.