Tai Tou Watermelon

Tai Tou Watermelon

Tai Tou Watermelon is a protected geographical indication product.

　　The town of Tai Tou in Jinghai County, Tianjin, has long been known as a "land of fish and rice," particularly famous for its watermelons, which are highly favored by consumers in Beijing and Tianjin. Tai Tou Watermelons are thin-skinned, crisp-fleshed, sweet and refreshing, rich in various amino acids and vitamins, making them an excellent choice for cooling off in the summer heat.

　　Tai Tou Watermelons have a history of over a thousand years. The clear and sweet water of the Da Qing River, fertile black soil, and favorable climate conditions have cultivated high-quality, green, and pollution-free Tai Tou Watermelons.

　　Historical records and the "Jinghai County Annals" state that Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Tai Tou three times during his six southern tours—in the years 1767, 1770, and 1794—and even had a temporary palace built there. Local melon farmers presented their watermelons to the emperor, who praised them highly after tasting, calling them a rare delicacy for the summer and designating them as imperial tribute. He also bestowed a special "Fu" (blessing) character, symbolizing his wish for the sweet watermelon to bring happiness to all people. Since then, Tai Tou Watermelons gained great fame and have remained continuously popular.

　　Entering the 21st century, with the promotion and application of new varieties and technologies, Tai Tou Watermelons have seen significant development. In particular, the successful introduction of cold-shed grafted watermelons not only solved the serious issue of soil-borne diseases from continuous cropping but also changed the history of watermelons being available only in the summer.

　　To ensure consumers purchase authentic Tai Tou Watermelons, the Tai Tou Town Watermelon Cooperative registered the “Hong Li Fu” brand with the industrial and commercial authorities in 2006, providing double assurance. By 2007, all Tai Tou Watermelons on the market had their own "identity cards." In December 2010, after review by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, it was decided to implement geographical indication product protection for “Tai Tou Watermelon.”

　　Place of Origin Scope

　　　　The place of origin scope for the protected geographical indication product “Tai Tou Watermelon” includes the administrative regions of five towns under Jinghai County, Tianjin: Tai Tou Town, Du Liu Town, Liang Tou Town, Wang Kou Town, and Liang Wang Zhuang Township.