Mengzi Sweet Pomegranate

Mengzi Sweet Pomegranate

The Mengzi Sweet Pomegranate is a protected geographical indication product.

　　　    The sweet pomegranates of Mengzi are best from the areas around Xin'an Suo and Daxinzhai. Legend has it that the sweet pomegranates in Xin'an Suo and Daxinzhai, Mengzi, were introduced from Iran and Afghanistan, and have been cultivated for over 700 years.

　　    Mengzi sweet pomegranates not only feature crystal-clear seeds resembling agate but also offer high nutritional value, with 71% to 87% of the seed being edible. While mainly consumed fresh, Mengzi sweet pomegranates can also be used for making medicine, fruit wine, and juice, among other purposes. Over years of cultivation, local farmers have developed three top domestic varieties: Sweet Green Seed, Sweet Sandy Seed, and Sweet White Flower. Among them, Sweet Green Seed is the finest—its large size rivals a bowl, with plump seeds, thick flesh, small core, crystal-clear appearance, and sweet, juicy taste. Both Green Seed and Sandy Seed pomegranates ripen around July to August in the lunar calendar, while White Flower pomegranates mature slightly later, usually between August and September.

　　    Historically, Mengzi sweet pomegranates were exported as far as Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Haiphong. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, they were commonly transported to markets in Kunming, Gejiu, and Kaiyuan, with small quantities also reaching Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Tianjin.

　　    In 1987, the planting of Mengzi sweet pomegranates received support from a World Bank loan. That year, over 4,000 acres of pomegranates were planted, extending cultivation from Xin'an Suo to Hongzhai, Duofale, and other areas. By 1990, the county’s pomegranate planting area had reached over 7,000 acres, and grew to more than 20,000 acres by 1994. The newly planted young trees gradually began to bear fruit, and production increased year by year.

　　     Recently, following recommendations and expert evaluations, the Expert Committee of the "China Famous and Special Economic Forest Towns" under the State Forestry Administration awarded the title of "Hometown of Chinese Pomegranates" to Mengzi County, Yunnan Province. It is reported that this is the only place in China to receive such an honor.

　　     Mengzi County is the largest contiguous pomegranate-growing region in the country, with a long history of pomegranate cultivation. Legend says Mengzi pomegranates originated from Iran. To date, the cultivation history of Mengzi pomegranates spans over 800 years. Through years of selection and breeding, Mengzi pomegranates have developed their own unique advantages.

　　     In recent years, Mengzi County has vigorously implemented the "Industry-Strengthening County" strategy, actively guiding and supporting farmers to develop the fruit industry. This has led to continuous expansion of the sector, with the current area of garden fruits—primarily sweet pomegranates—reaching over 200,000 acres. At the same time, the county has focused on improving the quality of sweet pomegranates by implementing premium fruit projects and standardized management, introducing, demonstrating, and promoting new technologies and varieties. As a result, the total output value of pomegranates has exceeded 100 million yuan. Building on this, the county has promoted its products through various channels, rapidly increasing the visibility and reputation of Mengzi sweet pomegranates. In 1993, Mengzi pomegranates were honored as Yunnan Province’s Quality Fruits. In 1999, they won the Grand Prize in the Vegetable and Fruit Category at the China '99 Kunming International Horticultural Exposition. In 2001 and 2002, they were awarded the National Quality Fruit Award for Major Pomegranate Production Areas, and in 2002, Mengzi pomegranates were recognized as a Provincial Quality, Specialty, and New Variety Fruit. The Ministry of Agriculture designated Mengzi as a base for high-quality subtropical pomegranate production, and the Mengzi pomegranate market was named a National Designated Wholesale Fruit Market. In 2003, it obtained certification for green and pollution-free products from the National Standardization Management Committee, securing a “passport” to international markets. In 2004, the comprehensive standards for Mengzi pomegranates were officially filed and implemented at the national level. Following evaluation by the State Forestry Administration, Mengzi County was acknowledged as a nationally renowned major pomegranate-producing region, with a long cultivation history, superior ecological environment, and an emerging base-oriented and industrialized development model. The high quality of Mengzi sweet pomegranates gives them strong market competitiveness, leading to the award of the title "Hometown of Chinese Pomegranates."

　　       Currently, the county’s pomegranate planting area has expanded to 95,000 acres, accounting for 48% of the total area of garden fruits. The main varieties include Sweet Green Seed, Sweet Sandy Seed, Sweet White Flower, and over ten others, with the proportion of improved varieties reaching 80%. The development of pomegranate cultivation has brought tangible benefits to farmers, becoming a leading industry for increasing income and alleviating poverty, as well as a pillar of the county’s agricultural economy. It is reported that in the main production areas alone, the annual per capita income from pomegranates exceeds 2,000 yuan, accounting for about 90% of total annual per capita income.

　　       Now, the county’s pomegranate planting area has increased to 95,000 acres, making up 48% of the total area of garden fruits. The main varieties include Sweet Green Seed, Sweet Sandy Seed, Sweet White Flower, and more than ten others, with the rate of improved varieties reaching 80%. The development of pomegranate farming has benefited local farmers significantly, becoming a key industry for boosting income and escaping poverty, as well as a pillar of the county’s agricultural economy. It is understood that in the main producing areas, the per capita annual income from pomegranates alone reaches over 2,000 yuan, accounting for nearly 90% of the total per capita annual income.