Maojian Flower Red

Maojian Flower Red

　　It is said that when Emperor Qianlong traveled to the south of the Yangtze River and inquired about the local specialties of Liyang, the Grand Secretary Shi Yizhi (a native of Xiaya, Liyang) replied, “Maojian Flower Red, Tangxia Melon.” This shows that Maojian Flower Red is one of the traditional local specialties of Liyang. The production of Flower Red in Maojian has a history of nearly six hundred years. The origin of the Flower Red tree is on Dongting Mountain by Taihu Lake. With its beautiful lakeside scenery and mountainous environment, the area is abundant in fruit trees, known for produce such as “Dongshan Loquat” and “Xishan Bayberry,” and Flower Red is also one of its renowned fruits. (Changzhou)

　This land of mountains and waters is suitable for people to live and thrive. After the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, due to overpopulation and limited arable land, some people gradually migrated elsewhere. One fruit farmer surnamed Xi moved to Maojian Village in Liyang. He brought several kinds of fruit tree saplings and transplanted them around the village, including two Flower Red trees.

　　Most of the fruit trees he transplanted survived and grew well, blooming and bearing fruit, but their flavors could hardly match the original taste from Dongting Mountain. Only the two Flower Red trees not only thrived but also produced fruit that was far superior in appearance, taste, and texture compared to those from Dongting Mountain. Once they hit the market, they fetched high prices and sold briskly, making Flower Red a premium specialty product of the Maojian area. These fruits are round and slightly flattened, with an outer skin that is greenish-white, pale yellow within, and tinged with a faint red blush. They emit a delicate fragrance, have a crisp bite, tender flesh without any core, and a well-balanced sweet-and-sour flavor. Their color, aroma, and taste surpass those of other fruits. However, only those grown near Maojian are considered top-quality. Attempts to cultivate them in other areas such as Hengrun have been made, but the resulting fruits fail to retain the distinctive flavor and characteristics of the Maojian originals.

　　Liyang also produces many other fruits in large quantities, such as peaches, plums, apricots, and pears. But eating too many peaches can cause stomach pain, too many apricots may lead to diarrhea, whereas eating Flower Red leaves one feeling refreshed and comfortable, without the need to drink water all day and without any adverse effects. Moreover, the people of Liyang often soak unripe Flower Red in white liquor for over a year (the longer, the better), which can be used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and is especially effective against dysentery.