Hezhang Walnuts

Hezhang Walnuts

Hezhang walnuts are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Hezhang walnuts may be small in size and not particularly attractive in appearance, but they are known for their thin shells, plump and white kernels, easy kernel extraction, and rich, pure flavor. They are one of the agricultural specialty products exported from Guizhou Province, China. Hezhang walnuts are a protected geographical indication product.

　　There is a type of walnut that may be small and not particularly appealing in looks, yet it has an average selling price of 22 yuan per jin — this is the Hezhang walnut. Named after Hezhang County in Guizhou Province, the name comes from the region's high altitude, long sunshine hours, and large temperature differences. With the highest elevation reaching 2,906 meters (the highest point in Guizhou), the area’s unique microclimate is especially suitable for walnut growth. As a result, although Hezhang walnuts are small and unremarkable in appearance, they have thin shells, plump and white kernels, are easy to crack, and offer a rich, pure taste, making them one of the exported agricultural specialty products. In 2007, they were successfully selected in the first national comprehensive fruit recommendation evaluation. Nowadays, walnut cultivation spans all 27 towns and townships in Hezhang, covering a total area of 160,000 mu. In 2006, it was recognized as a “National Demonstration Zone for Standardized Walnut Forestry Construction,” and based on that, further developed products such as walnut candy, walnut milk, and walnut-based dishes, adding value to the walnuts. These efforts have brought substantial profits to local growers.

　　Hezhang walnuts have a long cultivation history and are a distribution center for southern China’s iron walnuts. The area is home to many native walnut germplasm resources. Through years of selection and cultivation, these have evolved into wild-flavored specialty products. Currently, the county has 140,000 mu of high-quality walnut plantations, with processed products such as walnut milk and walnut candy reaching a production volume of 1,000 tons. The walnut industry generates an annual output value of over 100 million yuan, making walnuts an emerging pillar industry for rural prosperity in Hezhang.

　　In 2006, Hezhang County was designated by the State Forestry Administration as a “National Demonstration Zone for Standardized Walnut Forestry Construction.” The pollution-free and green walnuts produced within the demonstration zone have higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids than ordinary walnuts. In 2007, the walnuts submitted by the Hezhang County Forestry Bureau were selected as “Olympic Recommended Fruits” by the China Fruit Marketing Association and seven other organizations. This year, Hezhang County has been recognized as the “Hometown of Chinese Walnuts” by the China Fruit Marketing Association and related entities.