Guazhou Honeydew Melon

Guazhou Honeydew Melon

Guazhou Honeydew Melon is a geographical indication protected product.

Guazhou Honeydew Melon is an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　Guazhou County in Gansu Province is famous for its abundant fruit production. As early as the Tang Dynasty, the name "Guazhou" was already in use. In recent years, the local area has vigorously developed honeydew melon cultivation, with planting areas now exceeding 80,000 mu. The produce is sold to multiple provinces and cities across China as well as some countries in Southeast Asia.

　　Anxi, formerly known as "Guazhou," has been renowned since ancient times for its "fine melons" both in China and abroad. The "Guazhou Honeydew Melon" produced here includes 4 series with over 30 varieties. The melons are crisp, juicy, sweet, and refreshing, with sugar content ranging from 14% to 19%, making them an excellent choice for relieving summer heat and quenching thirst. A poem praises it: "Ice-cold spring water soaks emerald jade; a blade slices through golden rind; coolness dispels evening heat, while pure sweetness refreshes the thirsty heart."

　　The production area of Guazhou Honeydew Melon covers 16 townships and farms under the jurisdiction of Guazhou County, Gansu Province, including Guazhou Township, Xihu Township, Nancha Town, Suoyangcheng Town, Hedong Township, Shuangta Township, Bulongji Township, Sandaogou Town, Qidun Township, Yaodianzi Township, Shahe Township, Lianghu Township, Guangzhi Township, Yuanquan Town, Liuyuan Town, and the state-owned Xiaowan Farm.

　　Guazhou Honeydew Melon

　　Geographic Scope

　　Guazhou County is located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, between 39°52′–41°53′ north latitude and 94°45′–97°00′ east longitude. The Guazhou Honeydew Melon planting area includes five townships within the administrative region of Guazhou County: Guazhou Township, Xihu Township, Nancha Town, Hedong Township, and Sandaogou Town, encompassing 28 administrative villages. There are 14,000 melon-growing households, with a current cultivated area of 3,400 hectares and an annual yield of 150,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Guazhou Honeydew Melons are oval in shape, with flesh thickness of 3.5 cm, average weight of around 7 kg, and sugar content of 12%. They are resistant to storage and transport, with high yield and high commercial value. 2. Safety Requirements: The growing environment of Guazhou Honeydew Melons complies with NY5081-2002 (Pollution-Free Food – Hami Melon Growing Environment Conditions); product quality meets the NY5109-2005 (Pollution-Free Food – Melons) standards; the production process follows DB62/T1177-2004 "Grade A Green Food Honeydew Melon Cultivation Technical Regulations." Products processed from these melons are managed according to a series of technical specifications for production, processing, packaging, and storage in Guazhou County. Pesticide inputs are used reasonably, with strict prohibition on highly toxic pesticides banned by the state, and adherence to safe pesticide application intervals.