Shuangcheng Watermelon

Shuangcheng Watermelon

Shuangcheng Watermelon is an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　The history of watermelon cultivation in Shuangcheng dates back to early times. According to Volume 7, Section on Products, Page 46 of the Republican-era Shuangcheng County Annals: “Watermelons are round like flattened calabashes, with green, crisp rinds. Their flavor is similar to that of melons—sweet, crisp, and juicy. When stored carefully while still warm, they can last for several months but not a full year, nor do they turn yellow. Those who suffer from long-term eye ailments have been cured by consuming dried watermelon. The fields of Shuangcheng are suitable for growing watermelons. Varieties include ‘Moonlight Melon’ with white skin, white flesh, and white seeds; those with green skins and crimson flesh; and those with white skins and yellow flesh. A single melon can weigh 30 to 40 jin (15–20 kg), is as sweet as honey and as sandy as a premium thirst-quencher. After the founding of New China, watermelon cultivation in Shuangcheng underwent several transformations—from initially low-yield local varieties to now including multiple high-yield hybrid series such as ‘Xinhongbao,’ ‘Qingkang 19,’ ‘Qingfa 12,’ and ‘Lüguan.’ Yield increased from an initial 1,000 jin to around 10,000 jin on average, improving more than tenfold. Cultivation methods also evolved from direct seeding to advanced techniques such as seedling transplanting, full plastic film mulching, double cropping in one year, and protected cultivation—forming a high-quality, high-yield, and high-efficiency integrated cultivation model.

　　Region: Heilongjiang

　　Applicant: Shuangcheng Sanying Lianggua Planting Professional Cooperative

　　Year of designation: 2013

　　Geographic Scope

　　The Shuangcheng Watermelon production area is located in the northwest of Shuangcheng City, in the southern part of the Songnen Plain and the upper reaches of the Songhua River, within the North Central Temperate Zone. The climate is mild, sunlight is abundant, and the soil is fertile, making it highly suitable for watermelon cultivation. The protected geographic area spans between 125°41′ to 126°42′ east longitude and 45°08′ to 45°43′ north latitude, covering 24 townships: Shuiquan Township, Gongzheng Township, Nongfeng Town, Xingshan Town, Tongxin Township, Linjiang Township, Wanlong Township, Handian Town, Jincheng Township, Lanling Town, Chaoyang Township, Dancheng Town, Lianxing Township, Qingling Township, Dongguan Town, Zhoujia Town, Xinxing Township, Wujia Town, Xingfu Township, Shuangcheng Town, Xiqin Township, Tuanyuan Township, Yongsheng Township, and Lequn Township. The total protected area is 219,333 hectares, including 3,300 hectares dedicated to watermelon cultivation, producing 247,500 tons of watermelons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Young Shuangcheng watermelons are round with light green fine stripes that are not fully extended. In the mid-growth stage, the stripes widen and the color remains light green. Mature fruits are oblong, with dark green rinds featuring fine net-like patterns. The stripe patterns darken and become more pronounced, showing distinct dark markings. The rind is about 0.3 cm thick. The fruit is well-shaped and plump, weighing approximately 15–20 kg per unit. The flesh is red, sweet, crisp, and sandy, with a fine and fragrant taste. The fruit does not crack and stores and transports well. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Shuangcheng watermelons are highly nutritious, with vitamin C content exceeding 50 mg per kg, total sugar content over 7.0%, and soluble solids content above 8.5%. The sugar content is moderate. 3. Safety Requirements: During production, Shuangcheng watermelons strictly adhere to national mandatory technical standards including NY5109–2005 for pollution-free watermelons, GB4285 for safe pesticide use, GB/T8321 for rational pesticide application, and NY5110–2002 for pollution-free watermelon growing environments.