Fengqing Walnuts

Fengqing walnuts凤庆核桃 are a famous specialty of Fengqing County in Yunnan Province. The area is so well-known for its walnut production that it has been designated as “China’s Walnut Town” by the national government. Fengqing is one of the key bases for the construction of high-quality walnut orchards in the Linxiang region. The cultivation of walnuts is widespread in Dasi, and farmers in the region have a long-standing tradition of growing walnuts. Currently, the area under walnut cultivation in the town has reached over 4,800 acres, with an annual yield of 200 tons. In 2003, a 10,000-acre high-quality walnut orchard was established, and today the total walnut-growing area in the town has expanded to 15,000 acres. Additionally, it is a key area for ecological construction in the Xiaowan Reservoir area. To support the Xiaowan Hydropower Station, Dasi Township has been actively implementing the “Green Mountain Afforestation Project” and the “Grain-to-Forest Project” over the past two years, continuously strengthening ecological construction efforts.

History

Fengqing has a long history of walnut cultivation, dating back approximately 3,000 years. The walnuts grown in Fengqing are mainly in natural, pollution-free environments in mountainous and high-altitude canyons. These walnuts are large, with thin shells, white kernels, and a rich flavor, and they have a high oil content. They are a traditional export commodity and are renowned as the “Walnut Town of China.”

Honors

In 1976, Fengqing’s export walnuts, known for their large size, thin shells, thick meat, and excellent flavor, received praise from foreign merchants. That year, the county was designated as a development base for walnuts by the province. In 1978, the county government decided to designate the villages of Luoxing, Shili, Ziwei, Heshun, Xinyuan, and Xinmin as walnut-growing bases. By 1978, a census revealed that the county had over 570,000 walnut trees, including more than 460,000 iron walnuts and over 110,000 bubble walnuts. In 2004, the county was recognized by the National Standardization Management Committee for its unified standards for high-quality bubble walnuts, and in December of the same year, it was awarded the title of “China’s Walnut Town” by the National Forestry Bureau. In December 2021, Fengqing walnuts were included in the list of the third batch of national famous and excellent new agricultural products.

Development

Before liberation, Fengqing had both iron walnuts and bubble walnuts, along with a small quantity of mixed walnuts. In 1953, the county government made grafting walnuts a focus for developing economic forestry, setting plans and measures for walnut development. In 1958, Xinjiang walnut varieties were introduced, but they were not widely promoted due to their small fruit and short trees. That year, local white-skin walnuts began to be processed for export. In 1961, policies were implemented to reward the planting, grafting, and sale of walnut oil and walnuts.

Characteristics

Fengqing has a long history and cultural heritage related to walnut cultivation. The walnuts are known for their large size, thin skins, thick meat, white kernels, and rich flavor. Currently, walnuts cover 13 townships, 174 villages, and over 70,000 households in the county, accounting for 71% of all households. The walnut-growing area has reached 1.2356 million acres. In 2008, walnut production reached 15,100 tons, with a production value exceeding 300 million yuan. The average walnut income per farmer was 720 yuan. Over 1,000 households earned more than 10,000 yuan from walnuts, with the highest income from walnuts exceeding 80,000 yuan. Walnuts have become a key industry for increasing farmers’ incomes and are a significant growth point for wealth in the mountainous regions. In recent years, Fengqing has consistently prioritized the walnut industry as a pillar of economic and social development, striving to achieve the goal of developing 1.4 million acres of bubble walnuts with a focus on refining and expanding the industry.

1. Variety Characteristics

Yunnan Fengqing walnuts, also known as Dianchi walnuts, are one of China’s renowned local varieties. They are highly favored by consumers due to their large size, thin shells, full kernels, and rich flavor. Fengqing walnuts come in various types, including “bubble walnuts,” “paper-skin walnuts,” and “sweet walnuts,” with the “Qingxiangtian” (lightly fragrant and sweet) series being particularly well-known.

2. Growing Environment

Located in a low-latitude, high-altitude region, Yunnan Fengqing has a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, providing ideal conditions for walnut growth. The walnut trees here are long-lived, yield high quantities, and have stable quality. The unique geographical environment imparts a rich flavor and substantial nutritional value to Fengqing walnuts.

3. Harvesting and Storage

Fengqing walnuts are generally harvested between September and November each year. During harvesting, care should be taken to handle the fruits gently to avoid damage. For storage, walnuts should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and moisture. For long-term storage, methods such as refrigeration or vacuum packaging can be used to maintain freshness and quality.

4. Nutritional Value

Yunnan Fengqing walnuts are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamin E. The fats are primarily unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Additionally, walnuts contain essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which help strengthen bones and maintain bodily function balance.

5. Consumption Methods

1. Direct Consumption: Shelled walnuts can be eaten directly. They are crunchy and nutritious.
2. Cooking Porridge: Walnuts can be cooked with millet, red dates, and other ingredients to make porridge, which is beneficial for boosting energy, nourishing the stomach, and strengthening the spleen.
3. Making Snacks: Walnut kernels can be added to cakes, cookies, and other snacks to enhance flavor and nutritional value.
4. Pairing with Beverages: Chopped walnuts can be added to soy milk, milk, and other beverages to enrich flavor and nutritional content.

6. Market Prospects

With increasing health awareness and advancements in food processing technology, the market prospects for Yunnan Fengqing walnuts are promising. They are in high demand both domestically and internationally, providing opportunities for related industries such as walnut cultivation, processing, and sales. In the future, Yunnan Fengqing walnuts are expected to become a prominent product in China’s nut market, driving local economic development.

As a renowned local specialty, Yunnan Fengqing walnuts have won consumer favor with their excellent quality and rich nutritional value. Understanding their variety characteristics, growing environment, harvesting and storage, nutritional value, consumption methods, and market prospects allows us to better appreciate and benefit from this natural nutritional treasure. When purchasing Yunnan Fengqing walnuts, choose reputable brands and vendors to ensure quality and taste. Enjoy your healthy and delicious walnuts!