Lintong Xiang Dates

Lintong Xiang Dates

　　Xiang Dates Xiang Dates are one of the fruit trees with a long cultivation history in Lintong and are widely planted in towns such as Xiangqiao, Kangqiao, Xinxing, and Wutun. There are currently a total of 1,304 acres of date orchards with over 19,500 trees, yielding more than 100,000 kilograms in bumper years. Xiang Dates are famed for their large size, thin skin, thick flesh, small pits, and crisp sweetness. They are extremely nutritious, with the pulp containing protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and especially high levels of vitamin C—higher than that of citrus fruits and apples—along with minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. In addition to being eaten fresh, Xiang Dates are often dried and used as raw materials in processed foods such as pastries, including zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), zenggao (steamed glutinous rice cake), and sweet rice dishes. They can also be used to make wine and vinegar. Moreover, they are an important traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient, known to strengthen the spleen, nourish the stomach, enrich the blood, invigorate the spirit, and lower blood pressure. They enjoy a strong reputation among China’s exported fruits and are one of the “Three Treasures of Lintong” (the other two being pomegranates and huojing persimmons).