The China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications officially entered into force on March 1, 2021. It is China's first bilateral comprehensive and high-level agreement on the protection of geographical indications (GIs), and an important and practical outcome in the development of China-EU economic and trade relations in recent years.
We will continue to introduce to you the first batch of 100 Chinese GIs and 100 European GIs under the Agreement, to better protect and market them to meet the needs of consumers on both sides for a better life.
GI Episode 23: Korla Fragrant Pear
Korla fragrant pear is a pear species unique to Xinjiang, China. According to Xijing Miscellaneous Records by Ge Hong in the Jin Dynasty, “Hanhai Pear from the north of Hanhai is resistant to cold and never withers.” The Hanhai refers to the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang and the Pear refers to Korla fragrant pear. This is the earliest description of Korla fragrant pear in history books. With its good quality, the Korla fragrant pear had been taken as a tribute to imperial families through the ages. During the Han and Tang dynasties, it was brought to India through the Silk Road, and was praised as the Chinese Honey Pear in overseas markets.
The Korla fragrant pear is cylindrical and beautiful, with rich aroma, thin skin and tender meat. It tastes crisp, refreshing and juicy, with little residue; it looks bright green and pleasing to the eye; and it can be stored for a long time. Rich in glucose, fruit acid, iron, vitamins and other components, it is very nutritious and known as “the pear of pears” and “the prince of fruit”. People can eat the Korla fragrant pear directly, or use it to make pear wine, pear juice, pear paste and others. Good for moistening the lung and relieving cough, the Korla fragrant pear is often used as a good choice for dietotherapy.
Located in the northern margin of the Tarim Basin and the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Korla holds the throat of the ancient Silk Road. It earned the name “the city of pear” because of its pear production. Korla belongs to a warm temperate continental arid climate. It enjoys abundant water supply coming from the thawed snow of Tianshan Mountains, long-time sunshine, a big difference in temperature between day and night, little rain, and deep layers of loose soil of rich organic matter. These unique conditions explain the good quality of the Korla fragrant pear.
The Korla fragrant pear is not only very palatable, but also very storable. With cold storage, the Korla fragrant pear can be sold throughout the year though it is produced in one season. On this account, it can further expand domestic and international markets and enhance its competitiveness. In 2020, it was listed among the first batch of China-EU GI products.
