Basic Introduction to Rogang Nian Gao Lichi
Rogang Nian Gao Lichi refers to the Nian Gao variety of lichi produced in the Rogang District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. The Nian Gao lichi from Rogang is acclaimed as the premier product of the Lingnan region. It is known for its large size, bright red and attractive skin, thin peel with thick flesh and a small seed, tender and smooth texture, sweet and juicy flavor, and excellent taste. Alongside the Guiwei variety from Rogang and the Guilv variety from Zengcheng, it is celebrated as one of the “Three Lichi Kings,” and is a prestigious product well-known in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian regions. In 2011, it was granted protection as a Geographical Indication Product in China.
Nutritional Value
The flesh of the lichi contains glucose, sucrose, proteins, fats, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, and C, folic acid, citric acid, malic acid, calcium, phosphorus, iron, arginine, tryptophan, and other components.
Product Characteristics
The Rogang Nian Gao lichi is large, with a bright red and attractive skin, a thin peel, thick flesh, a small seed, a tender and smooth texture, sweet and juicy flavor, and an excellent taste. On average, each fruit weighs over 25 grams, and the edible portion reaches up to 80%.
History and Folklore
Rogang is a well-known “Lichi Homeland” in the Lingnan region. Nian Gao is a prestigious product of the lichi varieties in Rogang, renowned for its high quality and delicious taste both at home and abroad. As early as the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), it was regularly presented as tribute to the imperial court. By the mid-Tang Dynasty (8th-9th centuries), Rogang Nian Gao lichi had already been sold domestically and internationally. Before 1955, it was exported to the Soviet Union, and it has been popular in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia for many years. Particularly in 1980, when it was air-freighted to Singapore for trial sales, it fetched a price of HK$40,000 per ton, earning praise and positive reviews from international friends and overseas Chinese. In July 1969, local farmers used specially made wooden boxes to air-freight over 70 pounds of Rogang Nian Gao lichi to Beijing for Chairman Mao, which caused a sensation at the time.
Awards and Honors for Rogang Nian Gao Lichi
In 1977, at the city-wide lichi tasting organized by Guangzhou involving samples from more than 20 locations participating in the Nian Gao variety competition, the Nian Gao lichi from the village of Bigan in Rogang ranked first for its outstanding shape, color, aroma, and flavor. “Rogang Nian Gao Lichi” was selected as a “Guangzhou Famous and High-Quality Product” in 2004, and won first place at the third Rogang Xiangxue Lichi Culture Festival in 2006.