Basic Introduction to Chuliang Longan
Chuliang Longan is a variety of longan, originally from Chuliang Village, Fenjie Town, Gaozhou City. It is a renowned and superior variety in the former Zhanjiang region (including Zhanjiang, Maoming, and surrounding areas). Since 1970, it has consistently ranked first in longan selection and evaluation. The cultivation of this variety began in 1985, and within two years, it was widely promoted and became the preferred choice among farmers, with 100% acceptance. Its growth vigor is moderate, with a round or semi-round crown. The bark on its branches is rough, and there are many branches. The leaves are dark green and lanceolate. The fruit is large, with a small seed and coarse texture, and it yields early and abundantly.
Nutritional Value
1. Longan contains various nutrients and has the benefits of replenishing blood and calming the mind, improving brain function and intelligence, and nourishing the heart and spleen. It is a traditional food for strengthening the spleen and enhancing intelligence, and is effective for treating insomnia, palpitations, neurasthenia, memory loss, and anemia.
2. Longan has restorative properties and can be used as a supplementary treatment for those who need convalescence after illness and people with weak constitutions.
Product Characteristics
Chuliang Longan has large, high-quality fruit and better flavor when eaten fresh compared to Thai longan. As of early 2010, in the fruit markets of major and medium-sized cities along the coast of Guangdong Province, this variety was the only one capable of competing with Thai longan, offering superior quality and a good price. Chuliang Longan is also suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. Its dried flesh is yellow and translucent, thick, and does not stick together between pieces, making it dry and easy to store. It can be processed into Grade 1 to Special Grade longan meat.
Awards and Honors
In August 1990, Chuliang Longan from Gaozhou received the highest score of 103.45 points and came in first place at the Guangdong Provincial Quality Longan Evaluation. In 1992, Chuliang Longan from Gaozhou won the Gold Medal at the First China Agricultural Exposition. In 1996, the Ministry of Agriculture, State Farm Administration Bureau, and South Asia Office designated Gaozhou City as a “Chuliang Longan Production Base and Seedling Cultivation Base.” In 1997, Chuliang Longan from Gaozhou was recognized as a brand-name product at the Third China Agricultural Exposition. In 1999 and 2001, it won the title of brand-name product at the China (Beijing) International Agricultural Exposition. In 2001, Chuliang Longan was certified by the China Green Food Development Center as a Class A green food. Also in 2001, “Gaozhou Chuliang Longan” was named “Favorite Fruit King of 2000” by the “China Fruit and Vegetable Competition Organizing Committee.” In 2011, Chuliang Longan from Gaozhou was recognized as one of the “Top Ten Fruits of Lingnan.”
Tasting and Eating Methods of Chuliang Longan
1. Eat 30 grams of longan flesh daily to treat palpitations.
2. Steam and eat longan flesh daily until you have consumed more than 500 grams. This can cure palpitations, insomnia, blood deficiency of the heart and spleen, and persistent bloody stools.
3. Boil 10 grams of longan flesh, 15 grams of lotus seeds, and 60 grams of glutinous rice into porridge and eat daily in the morning and evening to treat anemia, weakness, palpitations, insomnia, and lack of vitality.
4. Sugar-soaked fresh longan: Remove the skin and seeds from 500 grams of fresh longan, add 50 grams of sugar, and repeatedly steam and sun-dry several times until the color turns black. Finally, mix in a small amount of sugar, bottle it, and consume 4-5 pieces of longan flesh twice daily. This preparation is said to be more potent than ginseng and astragalus. It can nourish the heart and blood, replenish energy, and soothe the mind. Suitable for elderly individuals, those recovering from illness, those before and after childbirth, those who are thin and weak, insomniacs, those with palpitations, and those with poor memory.
5. Boil 10 grams of longan flesh and 12 grams of peanuts (with red skin) in water and drink the decoction, which also treats anemia and weakness.