Jinxixiaozao Dates of Jinghai

Jinxixiaozao Dates of Jinghai

The Jinxixiaozao dates are recognized as a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　   The cultivation of Jinxixiaozao dates in Jinghai County, Tianjin, has a history of over 600 years. In recent years, the Jinghai County Party Committee and County Government have oriented their efforts toward market demand. In light of the current state of local agricultural development, they have intensified adjustments to the forestry structure, prioritizing the development of economic forests as a key industry to increase farmers’ income and bring prosperity to the region. Following the development layout of “dates in the south, fruits in the north, scenic areas in the east, and forests in the west,” the county has emphasized regional characteristics and focused on developing economic forests. Each year, nearly one million new date trees are planted. Key towns such as Tangguantun, Xizhaizhuang, Zhongwang, Chenguantun, Caigongzhuang, and Dafengdui have formed contiguous and concentrated date-growing areas, establishing the advantages and distinctive features of date cultivation in Jinghai.

　　In 2004, the State Forestry Administration announced the results of the third evaluation for China’s Famous and High-Quality Specialized Economic Forest Towns. After recommendations from various regions and expert evaluations, 73 counties (cities, districts) across the country were named “China’s Famous and High-Quality Specialized Economic Forest Towns.” Tianjin’s Jinghai County was named “China’s Hometown of Jinxixiaozao Dates” with absolute advantage.

　　In 2008, the date tree planting area in Jinghai County exceeded 200,000 mu, with an annual output of over 45 million kilograms and a production value of nearly 200 million yuan. More than 20 farming households earned an annual income of 100,000 yuan relying solely on date cultivation. Date growing has become one of the important channels for farmers to achieve prosperity and increase income.

　　Jinxixiaozao Dates of Jinghai

　　Geographic Scope

　　Jinxixiaozao dates are distributed within Jinghai County in the southwestern part of Tianjin. The geographic coordinates are between 38°35′N to 39°4′N latitude and 116°24′E to 117°15′E longitude. To the east and north, it borders the Dagang District and Xiqing District of Tianjin respectively, while to the south and west, it adjoins Qing County and Daicheng County of Hebei Province. The dates are primarily grown in towns such as Xizhaizhuang, Tangguantun, Zhongwang, Chenguantun, Caigongzhuang, Dafengdui, Liangtou, Wangkou, Jinghai, Shuangtang, and Duliu, covering a total planting area of 15,000 hectares, with an annual output of approximately 30,000 tons of Jinxixiaozao dates.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Jinxixiaozao dates are a dual-purpose variety suitable for fresh consumption and drying. The fruit is oval-shaped, with an average weight of 7g per fruit. When semi-dried, fine golden threads can be pulled from the fruit—hence the name “Golden Silk.” The fruit has thick flesh, a small pit, thin skin, and delicate texture. Fresh dates are brownish-red with abundant juice, while dried dates have deep reddish-brown skin, dense flesh, a richly sweet flavor, and excellent quality. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Jinxixiaozao dates are rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, and trace elements such as iron and zinc. In fresh fruit, the soluble total sugar content ranges from 30.80% to 37.20%, titratable acid from 0.380% to 0.431%, Vitamin C (Vc) from 295 to 411.1 mg/100g, crude fiber from 1.7% to 1.9%, zinc content from 5.8 to 6.5 mg/kg, iron content from 1.68 to 1.84 mg/100g, and moisture content from 52.5 to 68.7 g/100g. In dried fruit, the soluble total sugar content ranges from 52.08% to 63.14%, crude fiber from 1.92% to 2.28%, zinc content from 6.2 to 6.7 mg/kg, and iron content from 2.14 to 2.36 mg/100g. 3. Product Quality and Safety Standards: The growing environment and product quality of Jinxixiaozao dates comply with relevant mandatory national technical specifications. They adhere to standards such as the People’s Republic of China National Food Hygiene Standards GB2762-2005 “Limits of Contaminants in Foods,” GB2763-2005 “Maximum Residue Limits of Pesticides in Foods,” GB25193-2010 “Maximum Residue Limits of 12 Pesticides Including Chlorothalonil in Foods,” GB26130-2010 “Maximum Residue Limits of 54 Pesticides Including Paraquat in Foods,” GB28260-2011 “Maximum Residue Limits of 85 Pesticides Including Abamectin in Foods,” and NY5112-2005 “Pollution-Free Food – Stone Fruits of Deciduous Trees.”