Shenmu Red Dates

Shenmu Red Dates

　　Shenmu red dates are a specialty of Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province. Shenmu red dates are known for their large size, small pits, thin skin, thick flesh, crisp texture, long fibers, juicy and sweet taste, rich and mellow aroma, high sugar content, bright red color, low moisture, and long shelf life.

　　The southern towns of Shenmu County have prospered through non-coal industries, among which the towns along the Yellow River—Mazhen, Shamao, Hejiachuan, Wanzhen, and Huashiyao—have developed red dates as their leading industry. These towns have helped farmers achieve prosperity and are gradually moving their red date primary processing industries toward industrialized development.

　　With unique geographical advantages, Wanzhen Town is located at the southernmost tip of Shenmu County, adjacent to Jia County and bordering the Yellow River to the east. Situated in the loess plateau’s mound-like hilly and gully region, and with the Yellow River flowing through it, the area features mostly earth-and-stone mountains with deep, soft soil layers, predominantly sandy loess, making it ideal for growing red dates. Due to its special geographical environment, Wanzhen has become one of the main bases for Shenmu County’s “one town, one product” red date industry, as well as one of China’s five ancient red date production regions. Red dates are not only the pillar industry of Wanzhen Town but also the main source of income for its residents.

　　Shenmu County has over 200,000 mu of red date orchards, with Wanzhen alone accounting for 60,000 mu, producing about half of the county’s total yield. Currently, the town has built more than 200 red date drying ovens, processing and converting over 20 million jin (approximately 10,000 tons) locally, exceeding 60% of the total output. Income from red dates alone accounts for about 80% of the per capita net income of farmers in the town.