The Huazhou Huajuhong "Medicine and Food" Global Promotion and High-Quality Industrial Development Conference is held in Beijing on Jan 3, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Huajuhong, scientifically known as Citrus grandis or "Southern Ginseng" in China, has transcended its traditional role as a medicinal herb to become a key ingredient in over 200 products ranging from beer to toothpaste, from steamed water to essential oils.
The Huazhou municipal government in Guangdong province, has been vigorously developing the industry of Huajuhong, which is recognized for its curative effects on cough relief and phlegm reduction. The versatile fruit has been included in the national list of substances that are traditionally both "medicine and food" since last August.
The official recognition has spurred Huazhou to explore beyond the plant's fundamental medicinal properties, extending its application into various industries.
The city has already achieved a significant planting area of over 130,000 mu, yielding an annual output of more than 60,000 tons of fresh fruits and 12,000 tons of dried fruits.
The entire industry chain's annual output value has surpassed 10 billion yuan, with a complete industrial chain integrating planting, processing, and sales now in place.
The Huazhou Huajuhong "Medicine and Food" Global Promotion and High-Quality Industrial Development Conference is held in Beijing on Jan 3, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
At the recent Huazhou Huajuhong "Medicine and Food" Global Promotion and High-Quality Industrial Development Conference held in Beijing on Jan 3, Mayor Liang Jinfu highlighted the city's commitment to further extending the industry chain and improving the quality of its Huajuhong industry.
Zhang Tianzuo, chairman of the China State Farms Production and Logistics Association, said it is vital to strengthen the breeding and promotion of good varieties to improve the quality and efficiency of products and to focus on deep processing to develop new products with competitiveness.
Zhang Yuelin, general manager of the Beijing Xinfadi Wholesale Market, the largest food supply market in the city, expressed optimism about introducing Huajuhong into the wholesale market, making it more accessible to the public.
Wang Weixin, vice-president of the Beijing tea industry chamber of commerce, said that Huajuhong's transformation into various products, particularly with tea, can help relieve cough, strengthen the stomach and dry dampness.
