The delicious taste of Jingzhou Mudong waxberries will let people love them at the first bite. As a fruit that is rich in vitamins, proteins and other nutrients, the waxberry is widely planted at Aoshang, Taiyangping and Genshankou townships of Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County in Hunan. The area has a history of producing the fruit for more than 200 years.

Mudong grows the best waxberries in Jingzhou. With a crooked surface, the spherical fruit averages 15 grams in weight. With regards to color, it is typically a deep, brilliant red. Studies have shown that waxberry provides a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, and may be useful for tackling inflammation, diarrhea and intestinal ailments.

Mudong waxberry used to be small with less desired taste. Local waxberry farmers have tried many ways to improve its taste. With over 200 years of farming experiment, 12 varieties have been grown by local waxberry farmers, covering a planting area of nearly 2,200 mu (about 147 hectares) with an annual yield of 300,000-600,000 kilograms. Jingzhou’s waxberry industry has been included in the development plan of Hunan’s western region. The plan will boost the sale of waxberries worth of over 77 million yuan, with tax revenue exceeding 16 million yuan, and directly employ over 100 people. The county plans to hold China Jingzhou Waxberry Festival annually to increase the popularity of Mudong waxberry as a seasonal delicacy with a high vitamin and mineral content.

(Translated by Yang Hong)