Drunken Pears of Qamdo

Drunken Pears of Qamdo

　　The Drunken Pear boasts a richly mellow aroma, yet no wine taste is discernible upon eating. Shortly after consumption, however, one feels as if lightly intoxicated. The fruit is oval-shaped, with a yellow skin dotted densely with tiny rough spots. The flesh is yellowish-white, crisp yet slightly coarse in texture, juicy and sweet, though the core is somewhat large and fibrous. Each pear weighs between 400–500 grams. Legend has it that the heavenly gods, to welcome Princess Wencheng and her entourage into Tibet, served Drunken Pears as a ceremonial wine substitute to refresh them upon arrival.

　　Located on the snowy plateau, Qamdo features towering mountains and deep valleys, and is rich in animal and plant resources. It produces highland specialties such as caterpillar fungus, snow lotus, rhodiola, saffron, and safflower. The region’s fruits—including melons, apples, pears, and peaches—are abundant and highly sought after for both dining and shopping. Among these, the Drunken Pears of Baxoi are the most famous.

　　The Drunken Pear of Qamdo is a type of sand pear. It offers a richly aromatic flavor, with no wine taste detectable when eaten, yet leaves one feeling lightly drunk shortly afterward. The fruit is oval-shaped, with a yellow skin dotted densely with tiny rough spots. The flesh is yellowish-white, crisp yet slightly coarse in texture, juicy and sweet, though the core is somewhat large and fibrous. Each pear weighs between 400–500 grams. Legend says the Drunken Pear was served by the gods as a ceremonial wine alternative to welcome Princess Wencheng and her party. Some of the centuries-old pear trees in the area still bear abundant fruit, growing tenaciously to this day.

　　The Drunken Pear of Qamdo has multiple health benefits: Pear fruit: Helps promote saliva production, moisten dryness, clear heat, and dissolve phlegm. It is suitable for fever-related thirst, diabetes, coughs, phlegm-heat induced convulsions, choking sensations, loss of voice due to dryness, red and swollen eyes, and indigestion. Pear peel: Clears the heart, moistens the lungs, reduces internal heat, promotes saliva, nourishes kidneys, and replenishes yin. Roots, branches, leaves, and flowers: Help moisten the lungs, eliminate phlegm, clear heat, and detoxify. Pear seeds: Contain lignin, an insoluble fiber that dissolves in the intestines to form a gel-like film, which binds with cholesterol and helps eliminate it. Pears also contain boron, which can help prevent osteoporosis in women. Adequate boron intake may also improve memory, concentration, and mental sharpness.

　　The production area of the Drunken Pear of Qamdo includes the following locations: in Baxoi County—Baima Town, Ranwu Town, Bangda Town, Tongka Town, Linka Township, Xiali Township, Yongba Township, Wa Township, Jida Township, Kawabaiqing Township, Jizhong Township, Yiqing Township, Lageng Township, and Guoqing Township; in Zogang County—Wangda Town, Tiantuo Town, Zhayu Town, Dongba Township, Zhonglinka Township, Meiyu Township, Xialinka Township, Bitu Township, Rengu Township, and Raojin Township.