Title: The Exceptional Qualities of Cangxi Snow Pears
Introduction:
Cangxi County, located in the southeast of Guangyuan City, is blessed with a unique geographical environment and a favorable subtropical humid monsoon climate. Its forest coverage rate is 46.5%, providing ideal conditions for the growth of Cangxi Snow Pears. With over 1200 years of cultivation history, Cangxi Snow Pears are also known as Shijia Pears or Cangxi Pears. This article will discuss the varieties, cultivation methods, and exceptional qualities of Cangxi Snow Pears.
1. Varieties of Cangxi Snow Pears and Their Excellent Strains:
Cangxi Snow Pears have various excellent strains, including Shijia Pears, Water Pears, and Fragrant Pears. According to historical records, the cultivation of these pears dates back to the Tang Dynasty, specifically during the Yuanhe period. Shijia Pears are the most well-known strain and have been extensively bred and cultivated by generations of farmers in Cangxi County.
2. Optimal Growing Conditions:
Cangxi Snow Pears thrive at an altitude ranging from 450 to 850 meters. The soil type is loam or sandy loam, with a pH value of 6 to 6.5. The organic matter content should be at least 1%, and the groundwater level should be below 2 meters from the surface.
3. Cultivation Practices:
- Seedling Cultivation: Wild sand pear or tang pear seedlings are used as rootstocks, and grafting is conducted using scions collected from superior mother trees.
- Planting: Spring planting is done in mid to late January, while autumn planting takes place in early to mid-October. The planting density should not exceed 825 trees per hectare. The pollination ratio should be <= 8:1, with pollinating varieties such as Duck Pears or June Snow Pears.
- Pruning: Trees are pruned to either an open center or a sparse layered shape, combining summer and winter pruning to ensure good ventilation and light penetration.
- Fertilization: Organic fertilizer should be applied at a rate of no less than 25 tons per hectare annually. The application of nitrogen fertilizer should not exceed 650 kilograms per hectare per year.
- Environmental and Safety Requirements: The use of pesticides and fertilizers must comply with relevant national regulations to prevent environmental pollution.
4. Harvesting:
Cangxi Snow Pears are harvested in mid-September when the soluble solid content is no less than 9%.
5. Outstanding Quality Features:
- Sensory Characteristics: The fruit is shaped like a thick-necked gourd, with a brown or yellow-brown skin, sunken stem cavity, and deep and steep calyx cavity. The fruit has a small core, fine and crisp flesh, and few stone cells.
- Physical and Chemical Indicators: Each fruit weighs more than 500 grams, with a soluble solid content of at least 9%, titratable acidity below 0.06%, and flesh hardness ranging from 7.5 to 7.8 kg/cm².
- Safety Requirements: The product's safety indicators must comply with relevant national regulations.
Conclusion:
Cangxi Snow Pears, with their exceptional qualities and distinctive geographical origin, have gained popularity due to their delicious taste and excellent texture. With its rich history and favorable natural conditions, Cangxi County remains a prime location for snow pear cultivation. The popularity and success of Cangxi Snow Pears reflect the region's commitment to producing high-quality agricultural products.
