Wuwei Dates

Wuwei Dates

Wuwei Dates are a product with geographical indication status.

　　Wuwei Dates have a cultivation history of over 3,000 years and were once offered as a local specialty tribute to the imperial court. The phrase "picking dates in August" from the Book of Songs refers to the dates grown in the middle reaches of the Yellow River valley, where Wuwei is located—an area known for date production through generations. According to the Yulin County Annals, dating back more than 1,400 years to the Northern Dynasties, the Wuwei region entered a golden age of date cultivation. The version of the Wuwei County Annals from the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty contains records such as "dates flourish abundantly" and "dates are widespread, with residents making a living from them," highlighting the significant role of Wuwei Dates in the local economy and daily life.

　　Wuwei Dates are a key specialty and leading industry of Wuwei County. The county has 150,000 acres of date orchards, producing over 19,000 tons of fresh dates annually. Major cultivars include Mu Date, Ya Date, and Tuan Date, among which Mu Date accounts for over 95% of total cultivation. Wuwei Dates have thick skins, firm and juicy flesh, low moisture content, and a sweet taste. They are ideal for drying, suitable for fresh consumption and processing, and can also be used medicinally. The development of the date industry has become a "golden egg" for local residents to achieve prosperity.

　　Wuwei Dates

　　 Region Scope

　　The production area of Wuwei Dates is located in the northeastern part of northern Shaanxi, mainly covering six towns in Wuwei County: Songjiachuan, Koujiayuan, Guojiagou, Xinjiagou, Zhangjiashan, and Chashang, encompassing 221 administrative villages. The region spans longitude 110°32′ to 110°47′ and latitude 37°26′ to 37°43′. It is bordered by the Yellow River to the east, extends west to Zhangjiagou Village in Zhangjiashan Town, south to Yangjiadian Village in Songjiachuan Town, and north to Fanjiaba Village in Chashang Town, covering a total area of 200,000 acres with an annual output of 24,000 tons of fresh fruit.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Wuwei Dates have an attractive appearance, nearly cylindrical in shape; uniform size with an average single fruit weight of about 15g; dark red color with a glossy sheen; thin skin, small pit, thick flesh, soft texture and sweet taste; highly suitable for drying, with a drying yield of up to 48.6%. Dried Wuwei Dates have fewer wrinkles, a bright red color, fine and dense texture, and good elasticity. 2. Unique Internal Quality Indicators: Wuwei Dates are nutritionally rich, with dried dates containing 71.1%–81.1% soluble solids and 58.5–68.5g/100g total sugar. 3. Safety Requirements: The growing environment of Wuwei Dates meets the standards of NY 5013-2006 "Environmental Conditions for Non-polluted Fruit Product Origins"; the production process strictly follows the 'Organic Date Production Technical Regulations', and the product standards comply with NY 5112-2005 "Non-polluted Pome and Stone Fruits."