Batang Apples

Batang Apples

Batang apples are a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Batang apples, a famous specialty of Batang County in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, are well-known for their beautiful shape, bright color, good taste, diverse varieties, and good storability. Batang walnuts are also prized for their superior varieties, large fruit size, thin shells, high oil content, and high yield, and have been listed as a key project in the southern Garzê forestry and fruit wealth initiative.

　　The Batang apple, a Garzê specialty, was first introduced in the third year of the Xuantong era of the Qing Dynasty (1911), when American surgeon Sidney D. Gamble and Christian missionary Rev. William H. Hogdson brought apple saplings and seeds from the United States. The earliest batch included over 30 apple seedlings of more than 10 varieties. nT8

　　In the fifth year of the Republic of China (1916), local residents began cultivating apple trees from root suckers, gradually expanding their cultivation around the county town. However, due to social and transportation limitations, the development of Batang apples was very slow. By the 38th year of the Republic of China (1949), there were fewer than 1,000 apple trees, with a yield of only 20 to 25 tons. nT8

　　Since 1985, the county has developed 3,420 acres of apple orchards, cultivating a total of 122,800 apple trees. There are now 70 varieties of Batang apples, including 50 seedling varieties and 20 introduced varieties. Among the seedling varieties, those of medium to high quality include Rose Fragrance, Duowo, Rock Candy, Osmanthus Fragrance, Ren tou, Date Fragrance, Banana Fragrance, Pear Apple, Candy Apple, Xiao Donghong, Da Dongqing, Da Donghong, Autumn-Winter Flower, Daddy Apple, Saccharin Apple, Snow Peak, Liberation No. 1, Advance No. 1, Nameless No. 1, Flat Sweet Apple, Dessert, Red Coral, and Chi Yang—23 varieties in total. Among the introduced varieties, those of medium to high quality include Golden Delicious, McIntosh, New Red Delicious, Indian Apple, Red Star, Red Crown, Jonathan, Spectacle, Fuji, and Early Golden Delicious—10 varieties in total. nT8