Basic Introduction to Liaozhong Hanfu Apples
Liaozhong Hanfu Apples, a specialty of Liaozhong County, Liaoning Province. The Hanfu apples produced in this county can be marketed 15-20 days earlier than usual. The cultivation and planting of Liaozhong Hanfu Apples have developed rapidly. These apples are increasingly favored and welcomed by consumers both domestically and internationally, especially in the Russian market. In 2011, they were granted protection as a Geographical Indication product in China.
Nutritional Value
Hanfu Apples have various health benefits, including quenching thirst, moisturizing the lungs, relieving irritability, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the stomach, nourishing the heart and boosting qi, moistening the intestines, stopping diarrhea, alleviating heatstroke, and sobering up. Vitamin C in apples is protective for cardiovascular health, essential for heart disease patients, and helps prevent cancer and lead poisoning. The pectin and trace element chromium contained help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Apples contain multiple vitamins, minerals, sugars, fats, and other nutrients essential for brain function.
Product Characteristics
Liaozhong Hanfu Apples can be marketed 15-20 days earlier than usual. They have an average weight of 250 grams per fruit, with the largest weighing 510 grams. When mature, their base color is yellowish-green with bright red, patchy coloring. The flesh is crisp and juicy, with a sweet and sour flavor and a pleasant aroma, superior to those from other regions. According to national authority tests, every hundred grams of fresh Hanfu apple flesh contains 15.2% soluble solids and 0.34% titratable acid.
History and Folklore
Hanfu Apples were introduced to Liaozhong at the end of the 1990s. By 2011, the area under cultivation in Liaozhong County had reached over 100,000 mu (approximately 6667 hectares), with more than 30,000 mu (approximately 2000 hectares) in full production, yielding an annual output of 120,000 tons, generating a value of 800 million yuan. A complete industrial chain has been established for Liaozhong Hanfu Apples, including bases for cultivation, standardized production, branded products, expert technical support, unified supply of production materials, services provided by associations and specialized cooperatives, and marketing channels. This has led to the formation of a renowned Hanfu Apple production base in China.
“Liaozhong Hanfu Apples” have been listed as one of the key industries for development during the Twelfth Five-Year Plan in Shenyang City, with plans to expand the planting scale to 150,000 mu within three years. The county government has invested over 10 million yuan to establish a research and development center and technology promotion center for Liaozhong Hanfu Apples, hiring eight apple cultivation experts from Shenyang Agricultural University and provincial agricultural academies. The government has also funded training programs for some farmers at Shenyang Agricultural University, cultivating over 50 technological leaders. An association and a technology service team for Hanfu Apples have been set up to provide comprehensive services to farmers, with membership reaching over 2,800 people in 2011. Additionally, trademarks such as “Fulongwan” and “Fustar” have been registered, and the apples passed national certification for green food in 2008. The scale of the Liaozhong Hanfu Apple industry continues to grow, with deep processing projects already in the planning stages. It is poised to become one of the landmark industries in Liaozhong and the Liaoshen region.
Tasting and Eating Methods for Liaozhong Hanfu Apples
They can be eaten raw or cooked, made into dried fruit, jams, jellies, and are commonly used in many desserts. Before eating them raw or cooking, it's best to wash them thoroughly in cold water. The flesh will oxidize and turn brown if exposed to air. To prevent oxidation, eat them promptly or cook according to specific uses.
To cook apples, add enough water and simmer gently. To speed up the process, you can slice the apples and microwave them for two minutes. Depending on the type of apple, you may need to add sugar or mix with other fruits. Cooking apples increases their content of polyphenols, natural antioxidants that can help lower blood sugar and reduce inflammation.