Langjiayuan Jujubes

Langjiayuan Jujubes

　　　   Langjiayuan Jujubes are a renowned specialty fruit of Beijing. In a 500-acre jujube orchard in Wangsiying Township, Chaoyang District, clusters of bright red jujubes hang from the branches, signaling the successful revival of this premium jujube variety that had been absent from the Beijing market for over 40 years.

　　　　     The long-cultivated and internationally known Langjiayuan Jujubes are named after their origin in Langjiayuan, Gaobeidian Township, Chaoyang District. During the Qing Dynasty, they were listed as one of the tribute fruits for the imperial palace. However, with urban development, the Langjiayuan area became an industrial zone, pushing the jujube variety to the brink of extinction.

　　　　     In 1987, the Chaoyang District Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute collaborated with Beijing Agricultural College to begin research and experimental restoration efforts for Langjiayuan Jujubes. This spring, technicians cultivated 1 million grafted seedlings in Wangsiying Township and sowed 200 acres of wild jujube seedlings, laying solid groundwork for further propagation of mature seedlings.

　　　　     One challenge in cultivating Langjiayuan Jujubes is poor fruit setting and low yield. A naturally grown tree that is over a decade old typically yields only about 2 kilograms of fruit per year. Technicians have adopted various measures—such as enhanced fertilizer and water management, restoring tree vigor, spraying water and boron during the flowering period, and girdling—to significantly increase the yield of Langjiayuan Jujubes.