Yanchi Watermelon

Yanchi Watermelon

Yanchi watermelon is a product with a geographical indication.

　　New varieties, technologies, and flavors of Yanchi watermelons and melons are grown in a unique pollution-free region. The sweet, sandy-fleshed watermelons and melons are primarily cultivated in the core towns of Wanglejing, Huamachi, and Gaosawo, extending to other areas. Main watermelon varieties include the "Zhenxi" brand Hongshuangxi, Zaoguanlong, and Shaankang No. 3, while key melon varieties include Mijinxiang and Xiangwa No. 2.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Yanchi County is located in the eastern part of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, in the transitional zone between the Ordos Plateau and the Loess Plateau. It lies between 106°33′–107°47′ east longitude and 37°04′–38°10′ north latitude, with an average elevation of 1,600 meters. The county spans approximately 66 kilometers from east to west and about 110 kilometers from north to south. It borders Dingbian County of Shaanxi Province to the east, Huan County of Gansu Province to the south, Otog Front Banner of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to the north, and Lingwu and Tongxin counties (cities) of the region to the west. Covering a total area of 8,661.3 square kilometers, Yanchi's watermelon production zone includes the production areas of 15 villages across Huamachi, Wanglejing Township, and Qingshan Gaosawo, with a total cultivation area of 2,700 hectares and an annual output of 80,000 tons.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography: Yanchi County boasts abundant land resources. As it lies in the transitional zone between the Ordos Plateau and the Loess Plateau, the central-northern part consists of gently sloping hills with undulating terrain and continuous sand dunes, accounting for about 80% of the total area. The southern part belongs to the Loess Plateau region, characterized by crisscrossing gullies and alternating ridges and valleys, making up around 20% of the area. The soil is mostly ordinary calcareous soil and light calcareous soil, rich in calcium and phosphorus, with over 40 types of mineral elements. The economy is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry, and agricultural products are less polluted, making it an excellent environment for green industries. The unique soil conditions are highly suitable for the ecological characteristics of watermelons, placing Yanchi among the nation’s most favorable regions for watermelon growth. These factors form a solid foundation for developing the local watermelon industry.

　　(2) Hydrology: The Yanchi watermelon production area benefits from high-quality Yellow River irrigation water, supplemented by effective shallow groundwater sources.

　　(3) Climate: Yanchi County has distinct seasons, long cold periods, concurrent rain and heat, and a typical continental monsoon climate. The area experiences significant diurnal temperature variations, with 2,892.1 hours of annual sunshine, an average annual temperature of 8.3°C, and accumulated temperatures above 10°C reaching 2,944.9°C. The hottest months—July, August, and September—can see temperatures as high as 37.8°C and as low as 2.4°C. Annual precipitation is only 290 mm, while evaporation reaches 2,041.8 mm, making it a region with exceptionally high sunshine. The average frost-free period is 148 days. During the watermelon growing season, there is ample sunlight and large diurnal temperature variations, with thermal conditions that support optimal watermelon growth.

　　(4) Humanistic and Historical Background: Watermelon cultivation in Yanchi County has a long history. According to the *Yanchi County Annals*, watermelons have been grown for nearly 100 years. The region’s unique geography, climate, soil resources, and high-quality groundwater provide ideal conditions for watermelon development. The resulting fruit is high in sugar content, boasts a refreshing, crisp, and sweet taste, offers excellent eating quality, and enjoys strong market demand as a high-economic-yield crop. In 2006, Yanchi County was designated by the Ningxia Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry as a standardized production base for pollution-free melons and watermelons, significantly boosting farmers’ enthusiasm for cultivation and promoting the industry’s move toward industrialization and scale.

　　Production Technical Requirements

　　(1) Origin Selection and Special Provisions: Yanchi watermelon planting areas are located in remote mountainous regions, free from industrial or mining enterprises, ensuring no environmental pollution. Both the atmosphere and soil within the production zone meet national standards, with environmental quality complying with the requirements of *Pollution-Free Food Watermelon Growing Environment Conditions* (NY5110-2002).

　　(2) Variety Selection and Specific Requirements: As a chilled fruit, watermelons should be selected for bright red flesh, sweet and sandy flavor, thick rinds for storage, and ease of transport. Key cultivars include Xinnong No. 8, Jincheng No. 1, and P2, with Zhengza No. 5 used as a complementary variety.

　　(3) Production Process Management: The Yanchi watermelon production process must adhere to *Pollution-Free Food Watermelon Production Procedures* (NY/T5110-2002).

　　(4) Product Harvesting and Transportation: Different varieties must be harvested, packaged, and transported separately to maintain freshness and palatability, with immediate post-harvest sales. During transportation, watermelons must be handled gently to prevent compression.

　　(5) Production Record Requirements: Each watermelon-growing plot must maintain relevant records, including input sources, harmless treatment of organic fertilizer, seed varieties, plowing depth and sun exposure times, planting dates, as well as field management such as weeding and harvesting times. Sales records—including contracts and distribution channels—must also be kept. All documentation must be preserved for at least two years after the watermelons leave storage.

　　Product Typical Quality Characteristics and Quality Standards

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Large size, sweet taste, deep red color, and sandy flesh resembling pearls.

　　(2) Internal Quality Indicators: Sweet and cool in nature, containing various vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium.

　　(3) Safety Requirements: Yanchi watermelons comply with the *Pollution-Free Food Watermelon* standard NY5109-2002.

　　Packaging and Labeling Regulations

　　Yanchi watermelons are categorized into premium and first-grade based on seed fullness. Packaging uses woven bags, which must indicate the product batch number and bear the geographical indication label “Yanchi Watermelon.”

　　Yanchi watermelons are divided into two grades—superior and first—based on the fullness of their seeds. The packaging used is woven bags, which are marked with the product batch number and labeled with the geographical indication of agricultural products “Yanchi Watermelon.”