Hai'an crisp pears. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs recently announced the third batch of nationally recognized special and high-quality agricultural products for 2025, with Hai'an crisp pears making the list.

So far, Nantong boasts 10 agricultural products included in this prestigious national directory.

In Hai'an, a county-level city in Nantong, the cultivation of crisp pears serves as a cornerstone of modern agriculture and a primary income source for local farmers, who have been growing them since the 1960s. Today, the city features 31 large-scale pear orchards, spanning over 5,000 mu (333.33 hectares), and producing 12,000 metric tons annually.

Hai'an's unique climate is perfect for producing eggs rich in calcium and vitamin D, with the city capable of processing 123,600 tons of fresh eggs each year.

Hai'an rice is celebrated for its full, plump grains and elliptical shape, maintaining its fullness and aroma after cooking. The rice is glossy, offering a soft, chewy, and satisfying texture.

Established in 1959, the Langshan Chicken Breeding Farm in Rudong county collaborated with Yangzhou University in 2021 to develop a new early maturing meat variety of Rudong Langshan chicken, further enhancing its culinary quality.

Rudong Langshan chicken eggs are medium-sized, with light brown shells that are hard and fine-textured, offering strong resistance to pressure. The yolks are naturally golden, high in protein, low in cholesterol, rich in amino acids, and contain various minerals.

Haimen district has gradually developed a complete goat industry chain, from conservation, breeding, and healthy farming to meat processing, e-commerce marketing, and trade promotion. Currently, the district has over 240 goat farms with more than 100 animals each, and an annual breeding capacity of nearly 800,000 goats.

Green-skinned broad beans are a local specialty crop in Qidong, known for their bright green skin, sweet and tender taste, large size, thin skin, and soft texture.

Qidong green-skinned eggplant is renowned for its thin, green skin, smooth and tender texture, and delicate taste, making it a favorite among consumers.

Qidong Shadi yam features a smooth, light reddish-brown skin and fine roots on the surface. The white flesh is rich in starch, with a uniquely slippery and sticky texture, making it a nutritious supplement with a soft and pleasant taste.

In addition to being acknowledged as a national special and high-quality agricultural product, Rugao black cabbage has received national geographical indication certification. The dish "stir-fried black cabbage" has been selected as one of the 100 iconic rural dishes in Jiangsu province.