The berry best taste can be found in Hangzhou

The beginning of May generally signals the dawn of summer, long days, sunshine and the very best of seasonal fruits. And this is no more evident than in Hangzhou, which has a long tradition of summer fruits. Whether it is mulberries, cherries, or loquats, Hangzhou produces some of the finest quality fruits of the season.

Cherry

Xiaoshan’s Suoqian County has been highly regarded for the quality of its cherries for over 800 years. There are two varieties of cherry, short stem and black pearl. Cherries in Xiaoshan are planted in high-quality soil, given the right amount of light and picked at peak ripeness to ensure a unique and dynamic taste. The harvesting period is relatively long here and it is one of the largest harvesting areas in Hangzhou.  

Also located in Hangzhou is Xinsha Village, which attracts many people for its brilliant display of rose blooms. The short-stem cherries nearby should not be overlooked. The cherries have a distinctly robust flavor and texture, which makes them extremely palatable. And it should be noted that the cherries are much larger than those in most other places. Mid-May is the best time to go cherry picking. A basket costs 150 yuan (US$24), which is the equivalent of 1.4 kilograms of cherries. The price for cherries with no basket is 60 yuan.

Lin’an is also known for cherries. Cherries in Lin’an’s Taihuyuan County have a slightly tart punch to them and a refreshing flavor that is not common among most varieties of cherries. 

Mulberry

Xinsha Island is not only known for its cherries, but it is equally coveted for its mulberries. And although May is not the month when these berries are ripe, it is nonetheless an equally rewarding time to pick them. There are roughly 2 hectares of mulberry grounds on Xinsha Island, so there are certainly plenty to go around. The price of entering the fields and viewing/eating mulberries is 50 yuan, while the price for a mulberry take away is 60 yuan per 500 grams.

Tonglu County is a rather unique place as far as mulberries go. Here, Taiwanese four-season mulberries are harvested and have many distinguishing attributes. For one, they are long and slender, which gives them a very peculiar look, and they also have a soft, velvety texture superseding that of ordinary mulberries. Outside of mulberry picking, Tonglu is a thriving fishing county, which makes for a comprehensive and fun-filled family day out. 

We return back to Xiaoshan for its bountiful yield of mulberries this time. Soils enriched with selenium allow the berries to maintain more nutrients and also give them a sweeter flavor. One of the best-known locations for mulberry picking in Xiaoshan is located at Taipingqiao Village, and the best time for berry picking here is through to May 24.

Loquat

Hangzhou is also exceptionally popular for its loquats. Nicknamed “Zhejiang’s home of the loquat,” the Tangxi Town in Yuhang District is highly regarded for the quality of its pickings. As early as the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), loquats were used as high-quality gifts. The most well-known loquat is the Baisha Loquat. This loquat has small pockmarks on it, which gives it a sandy appearance. The inside is tender and plump with a rather sweet flavor that is unique to this fruit. 

The best time to visit is during the middle of May for the ripest fruits.

Raspberry

Linqi Town in Chun’an County has a raspberry farm with around 2,000 hectares of farmland. Here, you can enjoy the sweet taste of summer raspberries. Moreover, the farmers also produce a special raspberry alcohol that can also be enjoyed at the farm.

Hangzhou is one of the best places in China to go berry picking in the summertime and the best time to go is now! So don’t miss out on a great opportunity to visit one of the city’s many berry farms!