Yichang’s peach leaf oranges put on some muscle

By Li Caiyun, Yichang International Communication Studio
Correspondent: Zhou Zhihu

Yichang orange growers have come up with a new variety of orange called “Daguo Taoye Cheng” or peach leaf orange, characterized by large fruit and few seeds.

The name comes from the fruit’s long, narrow leaves, resembling peach leaves. It is one of the first agricultural products to receive registration protection from the Ministry of Agriculture.

When they first appeared six decades ago, Taoye Cheng oranges from Zigui were relatively small. Despite this, their round shape, thin rind, few seeds, crisp pulp, sweet taste and fragrant aroma won them first prize in numerous citrus appraisal meetings.

In recent years, growers have received support from Professor Guo Wenwu of Huazhong Agricultural University, who used cell engineering technology to improve the size and yield of Taoye Cheng oranges in Quyuan Town.

 

After nearly 10 years of effort, large Taoye Cheng oranges are now a reality. The average weight of the new Daguo Taoye Cheng variety is 180-200 grams, compared to the 120-150 grams of the original variety. In addition, the new variety gives a higher yield with better flavor and fewer seeds.
 

 

Zigui County is a major navel orange producing area in China with fresh oranges all year round. The full bloom of Taoye Cheng oranges occurs in middle to late April, with the fruit maturing from late November to early December.