Big Red Dates of Bin County

Big Red Dates of Bin County

　　Bin County is located in the northwest of Xianyang City. The locally produced big red dates are also known as "hanging dates." They feature a deep red color, large size, small pits, thin skins, and thick flesh. The fresh fruit contains 70.6% sugar, while the dried variety reaches 78.4%. Each 100 grams contains up to 380 milligrams of vitamins, along with high levels of calcium and phosphorus, making them an excellent tonic. Locals also remove the pits, dry the dates, and string them up to make what is called "hanging cluster dates," which are sweet, crispy, and fragrant. A local saying goes: “Grains plus red dates are better than the ganoderma herb.”

　　The big red dates of Bin County originally came from Shanxi, hence they are also called "Jin dates." They have been cultivated in Bin County for two thousand years. Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the states of Qin and Jin were two powerful neighboring countries that frequently waged war, but they also sought reconciliation for mutual benefit. Duke Xian of Jin once married his daughter to Duke Mu of Qin—this union is historically referred to as a “marriage alliance between Qin and Jin.” At the wedding, the King of Jin presented the Qin State with date trees, a specialty of his own country. Since then, these date trees have taken root, blossomed, and borne fruit in places like Bin County. The big red dates of Bin County have been showcased multiple times at national agricultural exhibitions and the Canton Fair, receiving praise from merchants both at home and abroad.