The pomelo is a cherished traditional fruit that has been cultivated in Dinghai district, Zhoushan for nearly 100 years. [Photo/wifizs.cn]

The pomelo variant growing in Gaoxie village, Dinghai district, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province has been approved as a national geographical indication certification trademark, as recently announced by the National Intellectual Property Administration.

With a cultivation history spanning nearly a century, the pomelo is a cherished traditional fruit in the city, with a planting area of 177.3 hectares that generates annual sales of 13.5 million yuan ($1.87 million).

Legend has it that in the early 1930s, a resident from Gaoxie village named Zhuang Gongyin traveled to Southeast Asia to work as a sailor on a foreign cargo ship. During a visit home, he brought back a few pomelos from Thailand.

After sharing the fruit with his family, some seeds were accidentally left in the courtyard of his brother, Zhuang Baochuan. These seeds took root, sprouted, and eventually bore fruit. Zhuang carefully nurtured one of the pomelo trees which produced a unique taste, protecting it diligently.

After the passing of Zhuang and his wife, their relative, Zhuang Ruihua, took over the cultivation and management of the pomelo tree. With the support of local authorities, every household in the village began planting pomelos.

Zhoushan pomelos are known for their firm and slightly thick skin, with translucent, crystal-clear flesh inside.

Zhoushan now boasts a total of 23 national geographical indication certification trademarks.