Chunhua Apples

Chunhua Apples

　　Chunhua apples were first cultivated in the mid-1970s and have since seen large-scale development following the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, becoming a pillar industry for the county’s prosperity. Today, orchards stretch continuously across the valleys and plains. In spring, the land is filled with the fragrance of blossoms, while autumn brings a bounty of red fruit. By the end of 1991, the county had 100,000 acres of apple orchards, producing 23,000 tons with an income of 36 million yuan. Over 75% of farming households were engaged in apple cultivation. The region now has 210,000 acres of high-quality apple orchards featuring varieties such as dwarf Red Chief, Fuji, Qinguan, and Wanglin. In 1994, apple production exceeded 200 million pounds. In 1976, Chunhua was designated by the state as an apple export base. In 1986, it was recognized as a high-quality apple base county by both the national government and Shaanxi Province. By 1991, it passed the provincial-level quality apple base assessment and was classified as a Grade A base county. It has also been honored as an advanced county in high-quality apple base construction by both the national and provincial governments. In recent years, fruit experts from over 10 countries have visited Chunhua for inspection and tours, offering high praise. American fruit expert Ms. Miller-Anina and Hungarian fruit expert Mr. Jelinek remarked after their visit: “We’ve never seen such good apples. They’re even better than those in paintings.” Experts from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization praised Chunhua apples as “the finest among the apples of Weibei.” The central and provincial leadership, as well as newspapers, radio, and television stations, have reported on Chunhua apples on multiple occasions.

The hardworking and hospitable people of Chunhua warmly welcome merchants from all over to admire the beauty of the “sky garden,” enjoy the scenery of the “green pearl,” and taste the sweet and delicious Chunhua apples.

Chunhua’s high altitude (averaging around 1,000 meters), significant diurnal temperature variation, and favorable climate conditions are ideal for apple cultivation. Coupled with a long history of cultivation, experienced management by local fruit farmers, and standardized techniques, the apples are generally large, brightly colored, high in quality, rich in flavor, and excellent for storage. They have secured a solid place in major cities across China, especially in southern markets, and are exported to countries such as Japan, the former Soviet Union, Thailand, the United States, North Korea, and Singapore. The main export varieties are Red Chief, while popular varieties include Qinguan, Fuji, New Red Chief, and Golden Delicious. Recently introduced varieties include Jonathan, Hokuto, Wanglin, and Aomori. Since 1986, Chunhua-grown Qinguan, New Red Chief, Jonathan, and Golden Delicious apples have won the Provincial Quality Product Award four times and represented Shaanxi in national sales exhibitions five times. At the 3rd Shaanxi Science and Technology Trade Fair, the New Red Chief apple was awarded the Gold Prize.