Basic Introduction to Weixian Pears
Weixian Pears, a specialty of Weixian County in Handan City, Hebei Province, are a Chinese national geographical indication product. The history of growing pears in Weixian County is very long, dating back over 2,000 years, and the area has always been known as the birthplace of Chinese pears. According to experts, the pears that Kong Rong gave away were from Weixian.
The Weixian Pears are known as having “three flavors in one pear,” meaning they have fragrance, sweetness, and sourness—the top of the pear has a fresh aroma, the middle tastes like honey, and the bottom has a sweet and sour flavor. The flesh of the pear is very crisp and tender; tearing it from the stem can split the pear in half.
Nutritional Value
1. Pears contain rich B vitamins which protect the heart, reduce fatigue, enhance myocardial vitality, and lower blood pressure.
2. The glycosides and tannic acid in pears can relieve coughs and clear phlegm, with a soothing effect on the throat.
3. Pears contain many sugars and various vitamins that are easily absorbed by the body, stimulating appetite and protecting the liver.
4. Pears are cool in nature and can help clear heat and calm the mind, often helping to restore normal blood pressure, improving symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and anemia.
5. Eating pears can prevent arteriosclerosis, inhibit the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, thus preventing cancer.
6. Pears have a high content of pectin, which aids digestion and facilitates bowel movements.
Product Characteristics
Weixian has suitable soil and climate conditions that give the Weixian Pears their unique quality. They are renowned both at home and abroad for being large, thin-skinned, brightly colored, finely textured, having small seeds, minimal pulp residue, a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and a well-shaped fruit. The famous “Tianjin Pears” originated from Weixian.
History and Folk Customs
Weixian has a long history and outstanding people. It was established in 195 BCE (the 12th year of Emperor Gaozu of Han). Cultivation of pears began on a large scale during the Northern Song Dynasty (10th to 12th centuries). In the 6th century, during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the renowned scientist Jia Sixie described the cultivation of Weixian Pears in detail in his book “Qimin Yaoshu.” In Qing Dynasty, Magistrate Mao Tianqi left behind the poem “Long wind rustling through pear leaves, autumn light spreads across the fields.”
Awards and Honors for Weixian Pears
Weixian Pears are renowned both at home and abroad for their traditional advantages and excellent quality, winning numerous awards. In 2001, Weixian was named “The Birthplace of Chinese Pears” by relevant Chinese national authorities. Since 2001, the pears have won titles including “Hebei Province Quality Product,” “Hebei Province Famous Brand Product” twice, “China's Famous and Excellent Fruit Products,” “Famous and Excellent Agricultural Products” at five consecutive China Northern Agricultural Products and Agricultural Technology Fairs, and the Silver Prize for Outstanding Exhibits at the first China International Forestry Industry Expo. Weixian County itself has also received honors including “Hebei Province High-Quality Pear Production Base County,” “The Birthplace of Chinese Pears,” “National Advanced County for Economic Forest Construction,” “National Advanced Unit for Specialty Town Construction,” “Hebei Province Advanced Unit for Harmless Fruit Production Work,” “Advanced Unit for Forestry Technology Promotion During the Tenth Five-Year Plan Period,” and “Advanced Collective for Science and Education in Forestry Activities Year,” achieving significant breakthroughs. In 2001, Weixian was designated as a high-quality pear production base county by Hebei Province.
In 1995 and 2001, the county was named “The Birthplace of Chinese Pears” by relevant national authorities. The Weixian Pears won first place at the 1985 Hebei Province Fruit Quality Evaluation Meeting for the pear category. In 1995, the pears were named “The Birthplace of Chinese Pears” by the first batch of the China Top 100 Specialties Hometown Naming and Publicity Organizing Committee. Exports of Weixian Pears began in 1959 and have continued for 40 years, enjoying great popularity among domestic and international consumers.