Qianyang blueberries are a deep indigo to purple color when ripe with a sweet and succulent taste. They possess essential health-benefiting phytonutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, citric acid, malic acid, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium and SOD. According to a study of the National Standard Substance Detection Center, blueberries contain 19 amino acids, among which 8 are essential for human body. In addition, blueberries contain anthocyanins, an active substance with potential effect in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, boosting heart health, slowing down the aging process, and improving memory. They have been recognized by Time magazine as one of the top ten health foods. As the best-selling fruit in the world, blueberries are listed as one of the top five health foods by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The planting area of blueberries in Hongjiang (mainly at Yanlong Town and Jiangshi Town) totals 8,000 mu (about 533 hectares) with an annual output of 3,000 tons.

(Translated by Yang Hong)