Acheng Muskmelon

Acheng Muskmelon

Acheng muskmelon is a product protected under the National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication.

　　For many years, Acheng muskmelon has enjoyed great renown within the province for its unique natural ecological environment, specific growing methods, and distinctive quality characteristics, winning the favor of the local populace. In 2012, the Green Food Office of Acheng District explored the historical and cultural background of Acheng muskmelon and applied for it to be registered as a National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Protected Product.

　　Acheng District is located 23 kilometers southeast of Harbin, covering a total area of 2,500 square kilometers. Its basic terrain consists of “six parts mountain, one part water, and three parts farmland.” It administers 5 townships, 9 towns, 5 subdistrict offices, 108 administrative villages, and 808 natural villages; the total population is 580,000, including 342,000 rural residents and 109,000 farming households. The district has 1.088 million mu of arable land, 60,000 mu of grassland, 200,000 mu of water area, 14 rivers of varying sizes, and 1.55 million mu of forested land, with a forest coverage rate of 49.4% across the entire district.

　　For many years, Acheng muskmelon has enjoyed great renown within the province for its unique natural ecological environment, specific growing methods, and distinctive quality characteristics, winning the favor of the local populace. In 2012, the Green Food Office of Acheng District explored the historical and cultural background of Acheng muskmelon and applied for it to be registered as a National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Protected Product. After conducting research and planning, preparing documentation, product testing, assessment and application, expert evaluation, and national approval, Acheng muskmelon has now been approved by the National Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Center as a Geographical Indication Protected Agricultural Product.

　　Acheng Muskmelon

　　Geographic Scope

　　The production area of Acheng muskmelon is located in the northwest of Acheng District, situated in the Songnen Plain and the upper reaches of the Songhua River, within the North Central Temperate Zone. It lies along the valleys and plains on both sides of the Ashi River and its tributaries, as well as the semi-mountainous areas on the southern bank of the Songhua River. The climate is mild, with abundant sunlight and soft soil, making it suitable for growing melons. The geographical coordinates are between 126°40'–127°40' east longitude and 45°10'–46° north latitude, distributed across three townships and 18 villages: Lanqi Village, Yongkang Village, Gonghe Village, Hongqi Village, Fuqin Village, Xifa Village, Minzhu Village, Linchang Village, Fanshen Village, and Xingfu Village in Yangshu Township; NanHong Village, Xihua Village, Xinfaxiang Village, and Wanxing Village in Liaodian Township; and Haixing Village and Zhenxing Village in Hongxing Township. The protected geographic area spans 4,000 hectares, with a production area of 1,333.3 hectares, and an annual total output of 40,000 tons.

　　Product Quality and Characteristic Features

　　This section mainly describes the unique quality characteristic features of the registered product and the regulations followed regarding product quality and safety, including: 1. External sensory characteristics: The fruit is oblong, weighing around 500 grams per unit. When ripe, it appears bright white with a slight pale yellow hue. The flesh is orange-yellow, thick, and fine-textured, with a strong muskmelon aroma. The texture is slightly sandy and sweet, the fruit does not crack, it stores well, and it has strong market appeal. 2. Internal quality indicators: Acheng muskmelon is highly nutritious, containing over 93 mg of vitamin C per kg, soluble solids content of over 10%, and total sugar content of over 8%. 3. Safety requirements: During production, Acheng muskmelon strictly adheres to national mandatory technical standards such as NY 5109-2005 (Pollution-Free Melons), GB4285 (Safe Use of Pesticides), GB/T 8321 (Rational Use of Pesticides), and NY5110-2002 (Environmental Conditions for Pollution-Free Watermelon Production).