At the foot of Xuefeng Mountain, the Shawan area of Anjiang Town is renowned for its abundant production of fragrant pomelos. Anjiang Fragrant Pomelo has a cultivation history of over 2,000 years, with planting beginning as early as the Qin and Han dynasties. By the Tang dynasty, it had already reached a small scale of production. The poet Wang Changling, during his exile in Longbiao County, famously wrote in a poem sent to a friend, “Drunkenly parting friends at the tower by the river, the fragrance of pomelos fills the air,” praising the unique flavor of Anjiang Fragrant Pomelo.

Anjiang Fragrant Pomelo is known for its rich juice and sweet taste. Each fruit is large, typically weighing between 1 to 1.5 kilograms, with some reaching 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. They are shaped like pears or gourds, with a yellow-green skin that emits a strong fragrance. The pulp is white, with large, elongated segments that are light yellow and translucent like jade. After being stored for several months, the ripe fruit becomes crisp and refreshing, enhancing its flavor.

Anjiang Fragrant Pomelo is highly nutritious, containing a wealth of proteins, vitamins A, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It is also rich in ascorbic acid, combining the qualities of both a delicacy and a medicinal ingredient. According to herbal texts, the flesh of Anjiang Fragrant Pomelo aids digestion, helps dissolve phlegm and relieve coughs, and can alleviate hangovers. The peel has functions of regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, and resolving phlegm, making it useful for treating symptoms like abdominal distension and loss of appetite. Its flowers, leaves, and peel can be used to extract fragrant oil, and unripe peels can be processed into candied snacks.

Today, Anjiang Fragrant Pomelo has become a flagship product of the region and is the most popular variety of pomelos among people both locally and beyond.

(Translated by Yang Hong)