Bergamot is popular among Chinese people. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]
A festival celebrating the harvest of bergamot, also known as foshou, or the Buddha's hand, was held in Beishankou village, Chisong town, Jindong district, Jinhua, East China's Zhejiang province, on Nov 30.
Jinhua started growing bergamot in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It now grows over 3,000 mu (200 hectares) of bergamot, of which over 1,200 mu is located in Beishankou village, Chisong town.
Over 500 households in Beishankou village now earn a living by growing bergamot, and the village is now known as China's "home of bergamot".
A host introduces bergamot to buyers online. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]
In recent years, bergamot products made in Beishankou village have been sold all over the country via e-commerce platforms. Locals have also learned to carry out livestreaming events to promote the latest products, including bergamot honey, bergamot aromatherapy and bergamot tea.
Bergamot is commonly cultured and valued for its fragrance and used medicinally as a stomach stimulant, expectorant and tonic. In Chinese culture, bergamot symbolizes wisdom and strength. Buddha's hand also symbolizes courage, as Buddha's hand protects people from misfortune.
