"Prunus salicina" is a distinguished variety within the Nai Li yellow flesh system, known for its remarkable characteristics.
The fruit is substantial, with individual fruits weighing between 80 and 120 grams and occasionally reaching an impressive 240 grams.
Its unique appearance resembles a peach, coupled with a texture reminiscent of a plum. The fruit's distinctive features include a broad shoulder, a blunt tip at the apex, and a slanting groove along the seam, earning it the moniker "Crooked Mouth Plum." The fruit skin displays yellow-green hues with silver-gray spots, while oil cells protrude, and the seam showcases distinct grooves.
Underneath the vibrant exterior lies the thick, light yellow fruit flesh, boasting an impressive edible rate of 96.7%. The flesh is characterized by its crispness, tenderness, and a delightful juiciness that accompanies a sweet taste, contributing to an excellent fruit quality.
The small, semi-detached pit in the Gutian region undergoes blooming in early March. As the fruit matures, it reaches its peak in early August. However, the flowering and fruiting time may vary based on temperature conditions, showcasing the fruit's resilience to different climatic environments. Additionally, "Prunus salicina" demonstrates resistance to storage and transportation challenges.
It can be stored for 15-20 days under standard room temperature conditions and an extended 2-month duration under cold storage conditions.
Upon planting, this variety exhibits rapid growth, commencing fruit-bearing within a relatively short 2-3 years. The average yield per plant is noteworthy, ranging from 50 to 100 kilograms.
Furthermore, "Prunus salicina" boasts an impressive economic lifespan of 30-40 years, making it a sustainable and long-term investment for cultivators. Its adaptability extends to regions suitable for peaches and plums, providing agricultural enthusiasts with flexible cultivation choices.
The sensory appeal of fresh Prunus salicina fruits is undeniable, with a strong fragrance, a harmonious sweet and sour taste, and a texture that captivates consumer preferences. Beyond its sensory delights, the fruit is rich in essential nutrients, encompassing 14-16% solids, sugars, vitamins, and an array of mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
These nutritional attributes contribute to the fruit's functional benefits, including aiding digestion and promoting appetite.
When processed into dried plums, "Prunus salicina" presents an enticing appearance – shiny and brownish outside with a vibrant orange-yellow flesh, ensuring a delightful taste experience.
This versatility in processing extends to various products, including honeyed plum slices and candied plum slices in syrup, positioning "Prunus salicina" as a competitive player in the market.
In 2013, the cultivation of "Prunus salicina" in Gutian covered an expansive area of 60,500 acres, yielding an impressive 23,500 tons. The success of these products is evident in their distribution to markets in Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia, highlighting the global appeal and demand for this exceptional fruit variety.
