Zhuanghe Strawberries

Zhuanghe Strawberries

Zhuanghe Strawberries are a product with geographical indication.

　　Dalian strawberries are hailed as the "queen of fruits." With a sweet and slightly sour flavor, they help moisten the lungs, promote fluid production, strengthen the spleen and stomach, cool the blood, and detoxify the body—qualities that have made them highly popular.

　　Strawberry cultivation in Zhuanghe has a history of over 100 years, with the best quality strawberries coming from the Guangming Mountain area. This region features flat terrain, loose soil, and moderate acidity, all contributing to the superior quality, rich nutrition, sweet taste, and excellent texture of its strawberries, which enjoy great renown in the Northeast and Beijing regions. In 2010, the China Fruits and Vegetables Association awarded Guangmingshan Town the title of "Hometown of Chinese Strawberries."

　　In recent years, the Guangming Mountain area of Zhuanghe has begun large-scale greenhouse strawberry farming. There are now over 8,000 strawberry greenhouses, producing 20,000 tons of strawberries annually, with a daily sales volume of around 200 tons. By continuously improving strawberry cultivation techniques, eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and switching to organic fertilizers and biological pest control, the Guangming Mountain area has been recognized by Dalian City as a "Pollution-Free Strawberry Production Base." The registered "Jinxian'gou Strawberry" trademark has been certified by the National Green Food Development Center as a Grade A Green Food product, and is permitted to use the Green Food label.

　　Geographical Scope

　　According to the "Regulations on Drawing Production Area Distribution Maps for Geographical Indication Agricultural Products" and the unique environmental conditions that contribute to the distinctive quality of Zhuanghe Strawberries, the suitable cultivation area is primarily located between 39°27′52″N to 40°12′10″N latitude and 122°29′10″E to 123°31′24″E longitude. The defined boundaries extend east to Huoshiling Village, Lizi House Town, west to Shabao Village, Yongsheng Village, Mingyang Town, south to Haiyang Village, Chengguan Subdistrict, and north to Weizi Village, Weiling Town. The protected area spans 200,000 mu, with 150,000 mu under production, yielding 600,000 tons and generating a value of 9.6 billion yuan. It involves 17 towns and 129 villages.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　A long production history, unique cultivation methods, distinctive geographical and geomorphological features, along with favorable climatic and environmental conditions, have contributed to the premium quality typical of Zhuanghe Strawberries. (1) Quality Characteristics 1. External Sensory Features (1) Fruit Shape: The strawberries are beautifully shaped, heart-shaped, uniformly sized and neatly formed, with very few misshapen fruits. (2) Color: Zhuanghe Strawberries are bright red with a glossy appearance. (3) Aroma: Zhuanghe Strawberries have a uniquely rich and strong fragrance. (4) Taste: Zhuanghe Strawberries are fresh, tender, and red, with juicy flesh, a sweet and slightly acidic flavor, rich nutrition, a soft mouthfeel, and no hardness. 2. Internal Quality Indicators According to multiple inspections by the Agricultural Technology Center at quality inspection authorities, Zhuanghe Strawberries contain 6.78–10.6% soluble solids, 0.5–3g/kg total acid, and 38.9–58mg/100g vitamin C. (2) Product Quality and Safety Standards To ensure the high quality and safety of Zhuanghe Strawberries, their production environment must meet the standards for pollution-free (GB/T18407.2-2001) and green food (NY/T391). Production strictly follows the "Pollution-Free Strawberry Technical Operation Procedures," "Green Food Strawberry Production Technical Operation Procedures," or organic food operation procedures. Inputs used in agricultural production are strictly managed according to the standards for pollution-free products and green food pesticides (NY/T393) and fertilizers (NY/T394). The product quality and safety standards comply with those for pollution-free fruits (GB/T18406.3-2001) or green food strawberries (NY/T844-2010). The majority of Zhuanghe’s open-field strawberries are destined for export, and their production and processing are under the strict supervision of the Zhuanghe Export Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People’s Republic of China. The quick-frozen processing of strawberries strictly adheres to national food hygiene standards. At the same time, a rigorous product traceability system and recall system for substandard products have been established. With rich cultivation experience, strict scientific management, unique processing methods, and a quality-first service approach, Zhuanghe Strawberries are not only premium, high-yield, flavorful, and high-grade, but also enjoy high recognition and market share both domestically and internationally.