Yinan, Shandong: Blessing Apples Gaining Popularity in Market

Apples are rich in minerals and vitamins, particularly high in calcium, making them highly nutritious. The nutrients in apples are largely soluble and easily absorbed by the human body, earning them the title of “living water.”

Yinan apple

In Yinan County, Shandong Province, there is a village with over 60 years of apple planting history called Bodianzi Village in Hutou Town. This area boasts over 20 varieties of apples, such as Red Fuji, Ralls Janet, and Golden Delicious. To expand the market, local farmers place stickers with blessings like Good Luck, Happiness and Safety, and Peace on their apples. After a period of sun exposure, they peel off the stickers, resulting in uniquely blessing apples that adorn the branches.

Yu Chengqian, a farmer who has 30 years of experience in fruit tree cultivation, began growing blessing apples in 2021. The unique nature of these apples quickly attracted a multitude of visitors for picking and ordering as soon as they hit the market. Originally priced at just over one yuan each, these blessing apples can now be sold for five yuan each, significantly increasing their added value. These apples have undergone a remarkable transformation by enhancing their appeal. Both Yu Chengqian and the Yinan County Chengqian Fruit and Vegetable Planting Cooperative have seen their value multiply, earning honors such as Shandong Province Agricultural Leading Talent, Yimeng Rural Star, and Shandong Province Model Cooperative.

Farmers picking apples

Currently, Bodianzi Village has over 1,000 mu of apple trees, with nearly every household growing apple trees and each family having their own “golden apples.” “Blessing apples” have emerged as a new driving force for local rural revitalization.