Longquanyi Honey Peach

Longquanyi Honey Peach

The Longquanyi Honey Peach is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Geographical Scope

　　　Townships within Longquanyi District including Longquan, Xinglong, Shanquan, Chadian, Baihe, Ping’an, Tong’an, Luodai, Wen’an, Jinlong, Wanxing, Qingshui, Shiling, Damian, Honghe, Xiping, Xihé, Huangtu, Yihé, etc.

　　Distinctive Qualities

　　　　A ripe Longquanyi honey peach is slightly spherical, covered with a fine layer of short fuzz. Its color transitions from greenish-white to white with hints of red. An average peach weighs about 100–200 grams, with larger ones weighing over 300 grams. The skin is very thin, and the flesh is rich and juicy, perfect for eating fresh. It has a smooth texture without any gritty residue. When just ripe, the peach is firm and sweet; when fully ripe, it becomes soft and very juicy. It’s best to handle it gently and carefully peel the skin. Its flavor is arguably comparable to that of the Queen Mother’s peaches of immortality. Such fruit makes a rare and precious summer treat, especially for the elderly or those with dental issues. The remaining pit is the seed of the honey peach, which is oblong and slightly flattened, with pointed ends and a bumpy, hard surface. The pit consists of two halves, and cracking it open reveals the edible kernel inside. The kernel can be eaten or used medicinally. If planted in soil, the pit first sprouts an embryo, which splits the shell and gradually grows into a sapling.

　　Cultural Background

　　　　China is the first country in the world to cultivate honey peaches. As early as the 10th century AD, there are literary records mentioning honey peaches. In Western countries, the earliest known reference to honey peaches dates back to around 300 BC, when a Greek philosopher believed they originated from Persia and thus called them “Persian apples.” By the 1st century, Romans mentioned importing honey peaches from Persia, leading to the assumption that they arrived in Europe around the year 0 AD. As for Britain, there are no records of honey peaches until around 1650 AD. In 1779, honey peaches harvested in the mountainous areas of the Niagara region in the northeastern United States became the country’s first commercially consumed honey peaches.