Hequ Haihong Fruit

Hequ Haihong Fruit

　　A Shanxi specialty—Haihong fruit. The Haihong fruit originates from Hequ County in northwestern Shanxi Province, also known as the "Hometown of Haihong." The Haihong trees, which have been planted here for over 800 years, are a rare and superior species that evolved from wild fruit to cultivated fruit through years of natural selection. They are one of the few varieties that still require minimal management. The Haihong fruit is highly nutritious, serves both medicinal and dietary purposes, and has a wide range of uses. The fruit contains 15.18% soluble sugar, 1.04% titratable acid, and 2.38mg/100g of vitamin C. In addition, it is rich in various trace elements needed by the human body, including 66.59mg/g of calcium, 2.16mg/g of iron, and 0.54mg/g of zinc. With the highest calcium content among fruits, it is often referred to as the "King of Calcium-Rich Fruits."

　　 Specialty Culture: A severe drought struck the Shanxi region, particularly Hequ County in northwestern Shanxi. For months, there was no rain, the fields cracked, and crops nearly withered away, leaving people desperately searching for water. Villagers who were skilled in praying for rain organized a group to pray at the Dragon King Temple. Days passed, but the Dragon King refused to send rain. At this time, Haihong, the youngest daughter of the Hequ River God, took pity on the suffering. Watching both humans and livestock struggle to survive, she became deeply distressed. First, Haihong asked her father, the River God, to send some rain, but he insisted that without the Dragon King’s command, he could not do so. Seeing that she could not persuade her father, Haihong decided to make it rain on her own. For several days, rain poured down, the crops turned green again, humans and animals had water to drink, and the land regained its vitality. People were overjoyed and thought the Dragon King had sent the rain, so they went to the Dragon King Temple to offer thanks. The Dragon King wondered, “I didn’t send any rain, why are they thanking me?” After an investigation, he discovered it was Haihong who had made it rain. Enraged, the Dragon King immediately summoned her, accusing her of defying the will of heaven and raining without permission. He sentenced her to death by slow slicing. As the sword flashed, Haihong’s flesh and blood scattered across the land of Hequ. The following spring, people noticed that wherever her flesh and blood had fallen, small trees began to grow. By autumn, these trees were covered with bright red little fruits. To honor this kind goddess, people named the tree the Haihong tree and its fruit the Haihong fruit.

　　 Specialty Benefits: The Haihong fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or used for brewing. It also helps strengthen the spleen and stomach, increase appetite, and aid digestion, making it especially beneficial for treating calcium deficiency in infants and the elderly. Products made from the Haihong fruit, such as dried fruit slices, juice drinks, jams, canned goods, Haihong wine, fruit leather, and dried fruit, are highly favored by consumers. These products have won multiple awards and are sold in more than ten cities across the country. Its juice drink has been dubbed the "Coca-Cola of semi-arid regions," demonstrating strong market competitiveness and great potential for industrial development.