Crystal Grapes

Crystal Grapes

　　Crystal Grapes

　　The Crystal Grapes from Sandu County have long been well-known. When they ripen, fruit merchants not only from within the province but also from Guangxi, Guangdong, Sichuan, and Yunnan flock to Jiaoli Township, creating a supply shortage of Crystal Grapes.

　　When mature, the Crystal Grapes from Jiaoli Township appear slightly yellowish and translucent, with a silvery-gray bloom on the skin, vibrant in color, and emitting the unique fruity aroma of Crystal Grapes. They are characterized by their sweet texture, pleasant taste, and being pollution-free.

　　Crystal Grapes are perennial climbing plants. When ripe, the fruits are slightly yellowish and translucent, with a silvery-gray bloom on the skin, vibrant in color, and emit the unique fruity aroma of Crystal Grapes. With a total sugar content of about 14.7%, they are sweet in texture, pleasant to the taste, and pollution-free. The product is in high demand in the market and has great potential for cultivation and market development. The climate and land in Jiaoli Township are suitable for growing Crystal Grapes. As a poverty-stricken township, in recent years, the township Party committee and government have seized opportunities such as new rural construction, the passing of “two high-speeds” (highways), and Qiannan Prefecture’s “185 Project,” using Crystal Grape cultivation as a breakthrough. By adopting various measures—such as setting up model demonstrations, providing science and technology training, organizing the “Crystal Grape King” competition, and hosting Crystal Grape festivals—they have vigorously promoted the significant development of Crystal Grapes throughout the township.

　　The cultivation of wild Crystal Grapes in the mountainous areas of Jiaoli Township, Sandu Shui Autonomous County, has a history of more than 10 years. Following the vigorous implementation of the “185 Project” for agricultural industrialization across the prefecture, the township has focused on developing the wild Crystal Grape cultivation as a key specialty fruit industry project. With strong support from relevant provincial and prefectural departments, the grape planting area in the township has increased from 13,000 mu in 2009 to the current 26,000 mu, with plans for further expansion. The number of grape-growing households in the township has grown to 3,410, involving 14,600 people, accounting for 70% of the township’s total population. Nowadays, on the steep slopes and low-lying flatlands of villages across Jiaoli Township, grapes are cultivated everywhere, demonstrating a thriving development trend where “the higher the mountain, the higher the grapes.”