Mabian Dark Plum

Mabian Dark Plum

　　Mabian has a long history of producing dark plums, though the exact time of their introduction to the area remains unverifiable. The region boasts excellent varieties with multiple health benefits. With evenly distributed rainfall, a favorable climate for growth, and vast expanses of land, Mabian offers numerous advantages.

　　　Mabian features extensive growing areas, mild temperatures, and consistent rainfall, making it one of the best regions for the domestication and cultivation of dark plums, shifting them from wild to cultivated production. According to research, all three elevation zones within the county—high mountains, mid-mountain and semi-mountain areas, and flatlands—are suitable for dark plum cultivation. The altitude range of 480 to 800 meters enjoys a mild climate and even rainfall, with an average annual temperature of around 15°C and annual precipitation of about 1,100 mm, making it the most ideal zone for dark plum growth. All areas below 1,600 meters in elevation are suitable for cultivation.

　　　　Mabian dark plums are of superior variety. They are particularly rich in vitamin C and come in a wide array of types, making them one of the region’s specialties. Based on fruit shape, they are categorized into four types: globular plum, oval plum, egg-shaped plum, and gourd plum. By fruit color, there are two types: red plum and green plum. Judging by petal color, there are three types: red-flower plum, pink-flower plum, and white-flower plum. According to analysis by the Vegetable Research Institute of the Chengdu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, their internal compositions are as follows: white-flower plum contains 6.3% acid, 1.47% total sugar, and 3.0 mg% vitamin C; red-flower plum contains 6.49% acid, 1.4% total sugar, and 4.3 mg% vitamin C; pink-flower plum contains 7.82% acid, 1.60% total sugar, and 2.7 mg% vitamin C. The average fruit weight is 22.5 grams, with the largest fruit weighing up to 25 grams, and 25 to 30 fruits making up one jin (500g). Mabian dark plums are large in size, thick-fleshed, exceptionally rich in vitamin C, and high in acidity. Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao personally led his troops to battle Yuan Shao. Amidst the scorching sun, his soldiers suffered from severe thirst. Cao Cao then declared, “Ahead lies a large plum grove, abundant with fruit. Their sweet and sour taste will quench your thirst.” Upon hearing this, the soldiers began salivating, which boosted their morale and spurred them forward to defeat Yuan Shao. Hence originated the phrase “quenching thirst by thinking of plums,” which has been passed down to this day. The fruit contains various organic acids, while the seeds contain compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides and fatty oils. Indeed, Mabian dark plums are of notably high quality.

　　　　The medicinal properties of Mabian dark plums are superior to those produced in other prefectures and counties within and outside the province. The medicinal value of dark plums has been documented as early as 502–556 AD in the “Shennong’s Herbal Classic,” where they have long enjoyed a reputation for therapeutic use. With a neutral nature and sour taste, they function to nourish the lungs, astringe the intestines, promote body fluids, and calm intestinal parasites. They are primarily used to treat chronic dysentery, diabetes, and roundworm-induced vomiting and reverse flow.