Meli Oil Bean Pods

Meli Oil Bean Pods

Meli Oil Bean Pods are a product with a geographical indication for agricultural produce.

　　Oil bean pods are an annual climbing herbaceous plant rich in high levels of protein, amino acids, dietary fiber, as well as various vitamins and minerals. They are a premium specialty product of China’s northeastern region. The Meli Daur Autonomous District enjoys a superior geographical location, serving as the northern gateway to Qiqihar and a key passage to Inner Mongolia. The two Nenjiang River highway bridges to the north and south tightly connect Meli with the urban center of Qiqihar. The Meli Daur Autonomous District was re-established as a municipal ethnic district in July 1988 with the approval of the State Council. It is the only municipal-level Daur ethnic district in China. The district administers four towns, two townships, one subdistrict office, 48 administrative villages, and 138 natural villages, covering an area of 2,078 square kilometers. The district boasts abundant and pristine water and grasslands, along with fresh air. As the largest non-staple food production base in Qiqihar, its main water source, the Nenjiang River mainstream, originates from the Greater Khingan Mountains and is free from pollution sources. It is one of only two unpolluted rivers in China, with excellent water quality and abundant flow. Meli Oil Bean Pods were officially applied for and approved in 2009. These pods are mainly grown in Dahudian Town and Gonghe Town within Qiqihar’s Meli District, with a protected geographical area spanning 4,000 hectares. The oil bean pod cultivation zone features a mid-temperate, semi-humid continental monsoon climate. The average annual rainfall is 415 mm, the mean annual temperature is 3.2°C, the annual sunshine duration is 2,861.9 hours, and the frost-free period lasts 136 days. The effective accumulated temperature reaches 2,718°C, and the large diurnal temperature variation aids the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins in crops. With ample light and heat resources, it is one of the best heat-endowed regions in Heilongjiang Province. Oil bean pods have a long history as a traditional industry in our district. Originating from home gardens, they gradually entered the market and expanded steadily, becoming a flagship “one village, one product” industry. Before the 1980s, oil bean pods in the Meli Daur Autonomous District were grown sporadically without forming a scale, mainly concentrated in various villages across the district. Due to the broad sales market for Meli oil bean pods, the industry gradually grew stronger and became one of the leading sectors in the area. The main varieties cultivated locally include Purple Flower Oil Bean, August Green, and September Oil. These plants are vine-growing with strong vigor, vines growing 2.0–2.5 meters long, large deep green leaves, and purple flowers. Pod-setting begins at the six-leaf stage, with young pods being 15–18 cm long and 2.8–3.2 cm wide, flat and strip-shaped, plump and thick-fleshed, with little fiber, excellent taste, and good quality. They store and transport well. The young pods are neat, green in color with purplish-red tips, offering good commercial appeal. Meli oil bean pods are rich in vitamins and minerals. Per 100 grams of the product, they contain 27 mg of vitamin A, 11 mg of vitamin C, 2.4 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat, 3.9 g of carbohydrates, 160 μg of carotene, 0.08 mg of riboflavin, 69 mg of calcium, 56 mg of phosphorus, 1.9 mg of iron, and 169 mg of lysine. With high protein content, their amino acid composition and ratio are also well-balanced, containing all 18 essential amino acids required by the human body, especially a higher level of the essential amino acid lysine. In addition, oil bean pods are also rich in dietary fiber, various vitamins, and minerals. They offer balanced nutrition: helping to maintain a balanced diet, regular consumption can reduce fat content, boost immunity, and lower the risk of illness, making them an essential dish on the dining table.

　　The Meli Daur Autonomous District enjoys long hours of sunlight, a 136-day frost-free period, and significant diurnal temperature variations, which are conducive to the synthesis of crop carbohydrates and proteins. The area has abundant light and heat resources, making it one of the best heat-endowed regions in Heilongjiang Province. Meli Oil Bean Pods are among the green and pollution-free products originating from the Meli Daur Autonomous District. In 2009, Meli Oil Bean Pods were granted registration as a Geographical Indication of Agricultural Products of the People’s Republic of China.

　　Meli Oil Bean Pods

　　Heilongjiang Province

　　Qiqihar Meli Daur Autonomous District Agricultural Technology Extension Center

　　The geographical indication protected area for Meli Oil Bean Pods covers Dahudian Town and Gonghe Town in Meli District, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province. The geographical coordinates are longitude 123°31′ to 124°19′ east and latitude 47°13′ to 47°53′ north.