Moreover, as the sugar content of the big cherries grown in Shanzhaolijia in western Xiadian can reach a maximum of 29 percent, they can burst with juice when bitten due to their high hardness and crispiness, Yang said, adding that buyers from South Korea, Serbia and Spain have come to taste the fresh cherries.

Besides, on the sandy soil along the Dagu River, the autumn pears in Caomeng in southeastern Xiadian are growing well on orchards covering some 173 hectares, with excellent water quality and suitable environment making them juicy and sweet, Yang said.

In addition, the Golden millet, growing in Niwanzi village in northwestern Xiadian is sweet, glutinous and fragrant, and has obtained the certificate of National Famous, Special and Superior Agricultural Products, Yang added.

To date, fruit growers in Xiadian have invested 5 million yuan building a Longda Fruit Storage and Transfer Center, to sort specifically-selected apples into cold storage and prepare them for sales during off-peak seasons.

Xu Lin contributed to this story.

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