Xima Fang Melon

Xima Fang Melon

The Xima Fang Melon is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Stepping into Xima Fang Village in Dongmaquan Town, the breeze carries the refreshing aroma of melons. In the fields lie rows of fallen Xima melons alongside lush green vines, while farmers are busy harvesting the ripe melons of the season and loading them onto trucks for sale to nearby areas.

　　"The Xima melon is a variety of watermelon. It is smaller in size, sweet in taste, and abundant in large, thin-shelled seeds with fragrant kernels. The flesh comes in red, yellow, and white colors. It’s called a 'striking melon' because it is typically opened by hand when eaten," explained Liu Baogang, director of the Xima Fang Village Committee, as he led us through the village. Xima Fang Village is located southeast of Dongmaquan Town and has over 260 households, with more than 600 acres dedicated to Xima melon cultivation. Liu said that the villagers have a long history of growing Xima melons, dating back several hundred years. Legend has it that during the Northern Song Dynasty, when the Song and Liao states were at odds, Xima Fang Village—situated east of Empress Xiao’s Grain Transport Canal—was sparsely populated, rich in water and grass, and had vast open land. Empress Xiao ordered the establishment of a horse farm there, and most of the horses raised were used for cavalry combat. By the Ming Dynasty, the number of government-raised horses gradually increased, and the scale of Xima Fang Village grew accordingly. Soldiers began planting Xima melons in the fields to prepare for military needs. In August 1675, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty visited Dongmaquan Town incognito and stayed overnight at the residence of Song, a banner slave of the Prince’s Mansion. The Song family specially sent people to Xima Fang Village to pick fresh and delicious Xima melons for the emperor. Kangxi was highly pleased with the melons, spoke highly of them, and encouraged local farmers to plant more so that more people could enjoy them. Since then, the cultivation of Xima melons in Xima Fang became even more widespread.

　　It is said that the Xima melon is a "treasure" among fruits, rich in dietary fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and other nutrients. Its plant sterols can help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood, making it suitable for people with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the Xima melon is a highly versatile fruit—the flesh can be eaten directly, the seeds can be roasted, and the rind can be used both in cooking and for making pickled strips. Liu Baogang said, "Currently, the yield of Xima Fang melons is about 1,700 kilograms per mu, and can sometimes reach up to 2,000 kilograms. The average income per mu is around 3,000 yuan. In areas such as Wuqing and Langfang, Xima Fang melons have gained some fame, attracting many merchants to place orders. At present, the Dongmaquan Town government is applying for a geographical indication certification trademark for 'Xima Fang Melon' to further expand the market, enhance the brand, and effectively increase farmers' income."