Hetao Tomatoes

Hetao Tomatoes

Hetao Tomatoes are a product with a geographical indication for agricultural produce.

　　Before the 20th century, only a small amount of tomatoes were grown in the Hetao region for farmers' own consumption. Thanks to the area’s unique geographical conditions — abundant sunlight that aids sugar accumulation, fertile soil, clean Yellow River water, and unpolluted air — the nutritional quality of the tomatoes has become increasingly superior. Over the long course of history, this gradually gave rise to the distinctive “Hetao Tomato.” Hetao Tomatoes can be used as both a vegetable and a fruit, suitable for all ages and with unique characteristics. The local tomato industry began developing in the early 1990s, but failed to take off mainly due to the lack of leading enterprises to drive it. The earliest tomato processing company was Taiwan Taishun, the first such enterprise introduced in late 1994. Other companies existed merely as subsidiaries of state-owned sugar refineries and breweries, lacking competitiveness in the market and ultimately failing to achieve any scale. By the end of the 20th century, the tomato industry in Bayannur City remained at a small-scale development stage, with tomato planting area maintained at around 20,000–30,000 mu.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Bayannur City is located in the northern frontier of China, in the western part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It neighbors Baotou and Ulanqab to the east, connects with Alxa League and Wuhai to the west, faces Ordos City across the Yellow River to the south, and borders the Mongolian People's Republic to the north. The city spans 278 kilometers from east to west and 238 kilometers from north to south, with an elevation ranging between 1,000 and 1,800 meters. Its geographical coordinates are between 105°12’ and 109°53’ east longitude, and 40°13’ and 42°28’ north latitude. The total area of the city is 65,551 square kilometers. The protected production area for the Hetao Tomatoes geographical indication covers seven banners, counties, and districts under the jurisdiction of Bayannur City, including 40 sumu and towns, and 601 villages, with a total production area of 33,333.33 hectares and an annual output of 2,780,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　External Sensory Features: Hetao Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family. They are oval-shaped, with an average weight of about 60 grams. When ripe, they are red, have a smooth surface, thick flesh, and can be eaten raw, cooked, processed into ketchup or juice, or canned whole. They have a pleasant taste, with a well-balanced sweet and sour flavor, a refreshing juiciness, and a delicious mouthfeel. Internal Quality Characteristics: Hetao Tomatoes are rich in nutrients. They contain about 11.0–13.0 mg/100g of lycopene, approximately 4.5% soluble solids, and about 18.2 mg/100g of vitamins. The product aids digestion, acts as a diuretic, and inhibits various bacteria. Safety Requirements: The growing environment strictly complies with the standards of the "Pollution-Free Vegetable Production Environment Conditions" (NY5010–2001).