Zichang Crystal Pears

Zichang Crystal Pears

　　Zichang Crystal Pears are a specialty of Zichang County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province. The county has 135,000 mu of pear orchards, with a total pear production of 15,300 tons, including 30,000 mu dedicated to Crystal Pears—making it the largest Crystal Pear production base in northern Shaanxi.

　　Crystal Pears are a rare variety in the province’s fruit industry, known for their high yield, delicate flesh, thin skin, moderate sugar content, strong cold and drought resistance, and particularly suitability for the climate of northern Shaanxi. They are especially well-suited to be planted on the mounds, valleys, sunny slopes, and gentle hills of northern Shaanxi. Coupled with abundant sunlight and distinct seasons, the region provides a natural habitat for the cultivation of Crystal Pears.

　　In the autumn of 2000, Zichang County introduced seven new varieties, including Crystal Pears, from Jinzhou in northeastern China. After three years of trial planting and demonstration, Crystal Pears were found to have an attractive appearance, a glossy and translucent surface, fine and dense flesh, and excellent color, aroma, and taste—making them highly suitable for planting on the Loess Plateau. Over the years, the county’s Crystal Pear cultivation area has expanded to 30,000 mu.