Shanyang Crystal Pomegranate

Shanyang Crystal Pomegranate

　　Shanyang has a hot climate, which is very suitable for growing tropical fruits. The crystal pomegranate is a specialty fruit of Shanyang, known for its thin skin, crystal-clear and plump seeds, large size, juicy flesh, and deliciously sweet and sour flavor that is refreshingly cool. Its appearance is as graceful as a lantern, with a skin that is white tinged with red, and each fruit weighs about 200–400 grams.

　　The crystal pomegranate belongs to the Punicaceae family, genus Punica, and is a deciduous small tree with opposite leaves. The fruit has a herbaceous outer rind, is spherical with a slightly hexagonal shape, and contains a six-chambered ovary separated by thin membranes. Each chamber holds multiple angular, elongated seeds, which are pale red or yellowish-white in color. Between April and May each year, the pomegranate flowers bloom a fiery red, refreshing the senses and inspiring vivid daydreams that are utterly captivating.

　　The Shanyang crystal pomegranate is not only a delicious fresh fruit but also offers considerable medicinal value. Its rind, which has an astringent taste and warm nature, can help constrict tissues to relieve diarrhea and also acts as an insect repellent and deworming agent. Dried flowers, when simmered with rock sugar, serve as an effective remedy for treating otitis media. Additionally, the juice of the crystal pomegranate is rich in glycosides and vitamins such as C, B, and D, making it a great appetite stimulant for children and convalescents. It has the benefits of moistening the lungs, aiding digestion, and quenching thirst.

　　Source: Dali Prefecture Tourism Development Administration Committee