The "Zhaoyanghong" brand, already renowned for its apples, is now expanding its portfolio with a successful cherry harvest, turning these small fruits into a powerful engine for rural revitalization.
At a sprawling 500-acre cherry plantation near Jingfeng Reservoir in Huapin Village, the scene is one of lush greenery and abundant fruit. The branches are heavy with clusters of bright red cherries, each one plump and glossy, resembling scattered rubies across the hillside, with a rich, enticing aroma filling the air. The fruit offers a crisp, juicy texture and a refreshingly sweet flavor that delights the palate.
Zhaotong Chaoyue Agriculture Co., Ltd. secured the land in late 2018 and commenced planting in April 2019, completing the project by the end of May that same year. The orchard features six premium international cherry varieties: Regina, Kordia, Corina, Tamara, Penny, and Furtado, which are strategically selected to stagger the ripening period and extend the harvest season.
The early-maturing Tamara variety is currently the first to be harvested. It boasts impressive characteristics, with a fruit diameter of 30-34mm, individual fruit weight of 11-13 grams, vibrant red skin, crisp and sweet flesh, and a rich flavor profile. It is known for its high and stable annual yield.
The entire cultivation process adheres to a scientific, high-standard management system. The orchard employs a high-density dwarfing planting model of 4 meters by 1 meters, with 166 trees per acre. It is equipped with a fully automated fertigation system for intelligent, efficient, and labor-saving water and nutrient management.
The company maintains comprehensive traceability records, systematically documenting technical processes, labor logs, pesticide application, and weather monitoring data. The operation has also obtained green food certification. To protect the fruit from rain-related diseases and ensure top quality, the entire orchard is covered with imported rain shelters.
The quality metrics are outstanding. Zhaoyanghong cherries maintain a stable average sugar content of 18% to 21%. The fruits are firm, suitable for storage and transport, have excellent skin gloss, and a well-balanced sweet-tart ratio. After picking, the fresh cherries are immediately sent for pre-cooling and sorting via professional equipment to guarantee a uniform, high-quality standard.
The product is supplied directly to premium consumer markets in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Guangdong. This year, the base is estimated to produce a total output of 140 tons, generating sales revenue of approximately 5.5 million yuan.
A company representative stated, "We have established over 500 acres of Zhaoyanghong cherry production. All six introduced varieties are internationally leading cultivars. The Tamara harvest is underway now, to be followed sequentially by Kordia, Corina, Regina, and others. All varieties have a sugar content above 18 degrees, ensuring quality and taste that meet market standards."
The industry's establishment has also created local employment and income opportunities. Villager Gao Xinghui, who works regularly at the base picking fruit, is very satisfied with the job close to home. "I'm a local from this village. It's just a short walk to work. I can earn over a hundred yuan a day picking fruit, which allows me to take care of my family while earning money," she said.
From premium apples to high-end cherries, the "Zhaoyanghong" brand continues to expand its portfolio of highland specialty fruits. By implementing standardized cultivation, introducing international varieties, and adhering to green management practices, the brand solidifies its strength. This transformation of small fruits into a major, wealth-generating industry for rural revitalization is bringing high-quality fresh fruit from the Zhaoyang highlands to households across the nation.
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