Qingyang Muskmelon

Qingyang Muskmelon

The Qingyang muskmelon is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　The Qingyang muskmelon has a long cultivation history, documented in local and agricultural chronicles, and is well-known for its pear-like shape, hence commonly called “pear melon.” Its surface features irregular stripes and bands, and when ripe, the skin becomes smooth without fuzz. The rind and flesh are primarily light green to green in color, with thick, juicy flesh and a small inner cavity. The fruit boasts delicate, crisp, and sweet flesh that is richly aromatic, with a distinctive flavor, excellent quality, and is suitable for all ages. It also has high nutritional value and health benefits.

　　Currently, Qingyang muskmelons are mainly grown in the valley terraces and some tableland areas across 62 towns and townships throughout the city, covering a planting area of 0.92 million hectares. Cultivation methods include both facility and open-field planting. The region has obtained three pollution-free agricultural product origin certifications, one green product certification, and has issued one local technical standard.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Qingyang City is located in eastern Gansu Province, bordering Shaanxi and Ningxia to the east and north respectively, as well as Pingliang City within the province. It lies between longitude 106°21′16″ to 108°42′48″ and latitude 35°14′28″ to 37°9′13″, stretching 207 km from north to south and 208 km from east to west, covering a total area of 27,119 square kilometers. The city administers one district and seven counties—Xifeng, Qingcheng, Zhenyuan, Ning, Zhengning, Heshui, Huachi, and Huanxian—encompassing 116 townships and 3 subdistrict offices. The terrain includes undulating hills, crisscrossing valleys, and a uniquely majestic plateau landscape. To the north lies Yangjuan Mountain, to the east the Ziwei Ridge, and to the west the Liupan Mountains, while the Malian and Pu rivers run north-south through the central area. These three mountain ranges and two rivers form an overall terrain that is higher in the north and lower in the south, uplifted on the east and west sides with a depression in the middle, resembling an inverted basket—hence the name “Eastern Gansu Basin.” The main growing areas of Qingyang muskmelons lie between longitude 107°10′38″ to 108°19′ and latitude 35°14′28″ to 36°57′, at altitudes of 840 to 1700 meters. This includes valley terraces and some tableland areas across 62 townships in Xifeng District (Xiaojin, Dongzhi, Shishe, Xiansheng, Houguanzhai, Wenquan, Pengyuan), Heshui County (Jixian, Gucheng, Banqiao, Laocheng, XihuaChi, Dianzi), Qingcheng County (Xuanma, Sapu, Qingcheng Town, Caijiamiao, Chicheng, Maoling, Gaolou, Baima, Yima), Ning County (Xinning, Nanyi, Chunrong, Xiangle, Zhongcun, Changqingqiao, Hesheng, Jiaocun, Taichang, Xinzhuang, Zaosheng, Waxie), Zhengning County (Gonghe, Zhoujia, Yulinzi, Yongzheng, Shanhe), Huachi County (Yuele, Rouyuan, Chenghao, Yuancheng, Wangzuizi, Shangliyuan, Wujiu, Qiaohel, Zifang, Huai’an), Zhenyuan County (Chengguan, Nanchuan, Tunzi, Shangxiao, Taiping, Linjing, Kaibian, Guoyuan), and Huanxian County (Quzi, Mubo, Fanjiachuan, Huancheng, Hongde)—with a total planting area of 0.92 million hectares, achieving a total output of 200,700 tons and a total output value of 831.525 million yuan.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) Quality Attributes. External Sensory: The Qingyang muskmelon has a pear-like shape, commonly known as “pear melon,” and is an annual vine-like herbaceous plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. Its surface displays irregular longitudinal stripes and becomes smooth without fuzz when ripe, exuding a strong, lasting, and enticing aroma. The rind is predominantly green in color, with flesh ranging from light green to green. The flesh is 2–3 cm thick, with a small cavity, delicate texture, crisp and sweet juiciness, pure flavor, and is suitable for all ages, offering high nutritional value and health benefits. Internal Quality: The Qingyang muskmelon contains 4.4–6.73 grams of total sugar per 100 grams of flesh, 0.5–0.6 grams of crude fiber, 23.8–26 mg of calcium, 11.3–12 mg of phosphorus, 11.4–12.3 mg of vitamin C, and 6.7–10.9 grams of carbohydrates. (2) Safety Requirements. The growing environment for Qingyang muskmelons complies with NY/T391 (Green Food – Growing Environment Quality); the product quality meets the NY5074-2005 (Green Food – Melons) standards; and the production process is controlled according to DB62/T2374-2013 (Green Food – Qingyang Muskmelon Production Technical Regulations), ensuring standardized production and management. Pesticides are used rationally, with strictly prohibited highly toxic and banned pesticides, and pesticide safety intervals are strictly enforced.