Fuhong Apricot

Fuhong Apricot

Fuhong Apricot is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Fuhong Apricot is a local specialty of Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, and a protected geographical indication product of China. With its bright color, tender and juicy flesh, sweet and tangy taste, and rich apricot aroma, it is highly prized. The main production area is the largest high-quality apricot production base in Sichuan as well as a famous scenic spot for flower viewing.

　　“Fuhong Apricot” features a bright color, tender and juicy texture, sweet and tangy flavor, and high nutritional value. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, and protein—nutrients that are found in higher levels in this fruit compared to many others. It also contains significant amounts of anti-cancer compounds. Each 100 grams of Fuhong Apricot provides 1.79 mg of beta-carotene, which is 22 times that of an apple, and 7 mg of vitamin C. Fresh apricots are packed with a variety of nutrients and essential trace elements beneficial to the human body. They can be eaten fresh or processed into products such as apricot tea, dried apricots, apricot puree, apricot slices, apricot jam, apricot peel candy, apricot juice, and canned apricots. These offer various health benefits including anti-cancer effects and anti-aging properties. The entire fresh apricot is valuable—its edible parts are rich in organic compounds, essential vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption can improve blood circulation, boost resistance to infection, help alleviate depression and insomnia, enhance memory, strengthen immunity, and also provide anti-aging, lung-moistening, digestive, and stomach-soothing benefits.

　　 　　Internationally, medical research has found that vitamin B17, abundant in apricots, can effectively inhibit and kill cancer cells and relieve cancer pain, demonstrating both preventive and therapeutic effects against cancer. Apricot kernels also have functions such as relieving coughs, calming wheezing, moistening the intestines, and improving bowel movements, making them particularly suitable for people with heart conditions. Especially for the elderly, regularly eating apricot kernels can promote enduring vitality, nourish yin and generate fluids, soothe the middle energizer and regulate qi, and soften blood vessels—truly making them a tonic of great value.

　　　The cultivation of apricot trees in Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu, has a relatively long history. Between 1661 and 1795 (during the reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty), migrants from other provinces settled in Sichuan and “claimed land” for farming. Immigrants from Guangdong (specifically the Hakka people) in areas such as Fuhong Township, Qingquan Town, and Renhe Township of Qingbaijiang District (then part of Heiming Township, Jintang County) extensively planted fruit trees. Legend has it that between 1661 and 1722 (during Emperor Kangxi’s reign), two imperial concubines (of Hakka origin from Guangdong) became nuns at Yuhuang Temple in Heiming Township (within the territory of Xinghua Village, Fuhong Township). They often went to areas such as Mopingshan (in Qingquan Town) and Baishuyao (in Fuhong Township) to preach and cultivate kindness, planting “five fruits” all over the hills. The two concubines had a special fondness for apricots. After eating them, their complexions became fairer and more radiant. The local Hakka people then widely planted apricot, peach, plum, and pear trees in the area, giving rise to place names such as “Flower Garden Valley,” “Apricot Flat,” “Date Ridge,” and “Pear Bend.” The development of fruit tree cultivation brought vitality to the local economy. The emperor then sent people to rebuild two temples, Dongchan Temple and Xichan Temple, on behalf of the two concubines at Sanzhou Mountain. A folk rhyme from the time said, “Dongchan faces Xichan, located on Sanzhou Mountain. The mountains are planted with five fruits, yielding countless treasures of silver.” Though it is a legend, the cultivation of apricots in the area did indeed exist. The Volume 3 to Volume 4 of the Jintang County Annals (compiled by Cao Yunxing during the Qing Dynasty) recorded: “Fruits include one, two sizes of plum-apricots, two, several sizes of peaches...” The Republican-era supplementary volume of Jintang County Annals noted, “Areas around Juanpeng Temple and Liaojia Market... had the densest fruit tree plantings.” Liaojia Market, a distribution hub for agricultural products and the foremost of the Eastern Mountain Five Markets, enjoyed the most prosperous trade. “The output of this market includes 3,000 dan of green fruits (apricots, peaches, plums, and dates).” In 1793 (the 58th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign), Li Maozhao, a local scholar from Hongdou Village in Heiming Township (near Ancient Buddha Cave, now within the regions of Fuhong Township and Qingquan Town), wrote “Twelve Odes of the Seasons in Hongdou Village,” which included the verse: “Famous flowers should not fall in villages, whose charm could be collected in brocaded bags? Plum and apricot verses shorten candlelight, while medicinal orchid inscriptions prolong wine cups.” Hanlin academician Gao Chen responded in a matching poem with the line: “Willows are seen again atop the tower, but red apricots only echo fame across the land.” This shows that the history of apricot tree cultivation in the areas of Fuhong Township and Qingquan Town can be traced back to the years 1736–1795 (during Emperor Qianlong’s reign).

　　　According to the Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine organized experts to review applications for the protection of geographical indication products including Pingwu Walnuts, Danling Frozen Cake, Mount Emei Snow Konjac, Fuhong Apricot, and Huidong Pine Nuts. Upon passing the review, starting from September 19, 2011, Pingwu Walnuts, Danling Frozen Cake, Mount Emei Snow Konjac, Fuhong Apricot, and Huidong Pine Nuts were approved as protected geographical indication products, with protection to be implemented by quality inspection agencies in their respective regions.

　　Production Area Scope

　　　　The production area of Fuhong Apricot covers the administrative regions of five towns in Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province: Qingquan Town, Yaodu Town, Longwang Town, Fuhong Township, and Renhe Township.