Shuangcheng Melons

Shuangcheng Melons

Shuangcheng melons are a protected agricultural product under the Geographical Indication system.

　　Sānlín Village, Shuiquan Township, Shuangcheng City is the main production area of Shuangcheng muskmelons. The fruits and vegetables produced by the Xiyīng Melon Planting Cooperative of Shuangcheng City have applied for registration under the “Wàngyùn” (Prosperous Fortune) brand trademark, and have now obtained green food certification. Shuangcheng melons are a protected product under the Agricultural Product Geographical Indication system.

　　The Shuangcheng City Senior Science and Technology Association promotes and demonstrates the planting of “Chūnqiū Melons.” Whether “spring melons” or “autumn melons,” they must first be grown from seedlings in greenhouses before being transplanted into plastic tunnels. Since late June, the “spring melons” have matured and gradually come onto the market. More excitingly, city residents no longer have to wait for just one season to enjoy fresh melons. Thanks to advancements in technology, around National Day (October 1), they can once again savor the sweet fragrance of autumn melons.

　　The Xiyīng Melon Planting Cooperative of Shuangcheng City was established in May 2009, founded by five farming households with a registered capital of 610,000 yuan. It built five greenhouses covering 10 acres, along with 150 acres of open-field fruits and vegetables. Engaged in fruit and vegetable production, even with limited experience in 2009, the cooperative still achieved considerable income — 8,000 yuan net profit per acre of greenhouse, and 1,400 yuan net profit per acre of open-field produce. Original greenhouse growers decided to expand further, and many farmers joined in. By 2010, the number of greenhouses increased to 78, open-field cultivation expanded to 2,000 acres, and cooperative membership grew by 19 households. In 2010, the cooperative entered into a village-academy partnership with the Academy of Agricultural Sciences. With technical support from the Academy, greenhouse net profits reached 780,000 yuan, and open-field net profits hit 4.2 million yuan in 2010. By 2011, the number of greenhouses had grown to 213, and the area was listed as a National Ministry of Agriculture Standard Garden. Despite a severe downturn in the vegetable market in 2011, greenhouse farmers in Sānlín Village followed guidelines from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences on variety selection, disease prevention, and more. Along with the continuous development of industrialization and rising consumer standards, the cooperative has made eco-agriculture a core mission since its inception, focusing on producing green products, building a green brand, enhancing market competitiveness, and achieving solid returns. Production strictly adheres to green food standards. Additionally, a Quality Management Manual has been developed to ensure products meet strict requirements in production, transportation, and packaging, guaranteeing quality. The cooperative’s fruits and vegetables have applied for registration under the “Wàngyùn” brand trademark, and green food certification has been obtained.

　　In 2013, the “Shuangcheng Melons” applied for by the Xiyīng Melon Planting Cooperative of Shuangcheng City passed expert review and became a protected product under the Agricultural Product Geographical Indication system.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The production area of Shuangcheng melons 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, with abundant sunlight and fertile soil, making it suitable for melon cultivation. The protected geographic area spans between 125°41′–126°42′ east longitude and 45°08′–45°43′ north latitude, covering 24 townships: Shuiquan Township, Gōngzhèng Township, Nóngfēng Town, Xìngshān Town, Tóngxīn Township, Línjiāng Township, Wànlóng Township, Hándiàn Town, Jīnchéng Township, Lánléng Town, Cháoyáng Township, Dānchéng Town, Liánxīng Township, Qīnglǐng Township, Dōngguān Town, Zhōujiā Town, Xīnxīng Township, Wǔjiā Town, Xìngfú Township, Shuangchéng Town, Xīqín Township, Tuánjié Township, Yǒngshèng Township, and Lèqún Township. The total protected area spans 219,333 hectares, including 2,700 hectares dedicated to melon cultivation, yielding 81,000 tons of melons annually.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Young Shuangcheng melons are emerald green with light green stripes. Mature fruits are oval-shaped, weighing about 500 grams each, with a bright white color tinged with a slight yellow hue. The top is pure yellow-white, while the base retains a hint of green. There are ten deep grooves, white flesh about 2 cm thick, rich aroma, thin skin with thick flesh, sweet and crisp texture, dry and small pulp, no cracking, and good storability and transportability. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Shuangcheng melons are highly nutritious, containing over 35 mg of vitamin C per kilogram, total sugar content exceeding 9.0%, which is 1% higher than melons from Acheng District in the region. Soluble solids content exceeds 15.0%, surpassing the national green melon production standard NY/T 427-2007, which requires soluble solids content of at least 10%. 3. Safety Requirements: During production, Shuangcheng melons strictly comply with national mandatory technical standards including NY5109—2005 for pollution-free melon produce, GB4285 for safe pesticide use, GB/T8321 for rational pesticide application, and NY5110—2002 for pollution-free melon growing environments.