Product Name: Sijimi Longan (Four Seasons Honey Longan)
Description:
Sijimi Longan, also known as Four Seasons Honey Longan or Continuous-Flowering Longan, is a premium tropical-ecotype longan variety originating from the border region of Guangxi, China, and Vietnam. It is the first longan variety in China to achieve commercial off-season production through controlled harvest timing, and it has been officially certified by both Guangxi (2008, No. Gui Shen Guo 2008002) and Fujian (2010, No. Min Ren Guo 2010008) provincial crop variety approval committees.
A Longan That Defies the Calendar:
The defining characteristic of Sijimi Longan is its unique continuous-flowering trait. Unlike conventional longan varieties that require low-temperature induction and flower only once a year, Sijimi belongs to the tropical ecotype group – its flower buds differentiate without any cold requirement, and the tree can flower and fruit multiple times per year simply once its shoots reach maturity. This genetic trait makes Sijimi the basis for China's off-season longan industry.
Through a combination of spring pruning, shoot control, and plant growth regulator application, growers can precisely time the harvest to November through February (around the Spring Festival) – completely bypassing the traditional July–August longan season and filling a critical winter market gap.
Flavor & Texture:
Sijimi Longan delivers an outstanding eating experience. The flesh is white, crisp, and “dry-pack” (干苞) – meaning it does not release juice when the fruit is opened, making it exceptionally convenient for transport and fresh consumption. Soluble solids content reaches 21.97%–24% in the main season crop and 16%–20% in the off-season crop, with remarkably low acidity (0.06%) and high Vitamin C (62.6 mg/100g). The fruit separates easily from its small, dark brown seed, and the flavor is sweet, refreshing, and richly aromatic.
Appearance:
The fruit is round with flat shoulders and a smoothly rounded apex. The skin is yellow-brown with a grayish-white netted pattern and a relatively thick (0.08 cm) rind. Fruit size varies by crop: the main-season crop averages 9–12 grams per fruit with a 65.5% edible rate, while the winter-spring crop averages 6–8 grams with a 58%–60% edible rate.
Key Commercial Advantages:
Off-Season Production – Harvest timed to November–February, filling the winter fresh longan market gap
Continuous Flowering – Flowers and fruits multiple times per year without cold induction
High Sugar Content – 21.97%–24% Brix in main season, 16%–20% in off-season
Dry-Pack, Non-Dripping – Ideal for transport, e-commerce, and gift packaging
Easy to Eat – Small seed that separates easily from the flesh
Disease Resistant – No downy blight, Phytophthora rot, or witches’ broom observed in field trials
Early Bearing & High Yield – Fruit in 2–3 years; mature trees yield 50–70 kg per tree
Exceptional Returns – Off-season fruit commands ¥12–30 per jin, yielding 4–5 times the economic return of conventional longan
Growing Regions:
Native to the China–Vietnam border region in Guangxi, Sijimi Longan was introduced to Yunxiao County, Fujian Province in 2001 and successfully cultivated there since. It has since been promoted in Fujian (Zhangzhou, Xiamen), Guangxi (Tengxian, Daxin, Pingnan), Guangdong (Meizhou, Maoming), and Hainan, forming a "one village, one product" specialty industry in several regions.
Cultivation Notes:
Climate: Tropical ecotype; requires annual average temperature above 21°C and frost-free winters
Rootstock: Dawuyuan or Fuyan rootstock recommended for good graft compatibility and tree vigor
Key Technology – Production Timing Regulation: Spring pruning in late March to early April, followed by chemical induction with ethephon (0.012%) + paclobutrazol (0.008%) when the fruiting mother branches are fully mature, to achieve July flowering and November fruit maturity
Pruning: Regular short-cut and thinning after harvest; retain 2–3 new shoots per base branch during shoot management
Pest & Disease: Field trials show no downy blight, Phytophthora rot, or witches' broom – management is relatively straightforward
Harvest Season:
Main Season: August | Off-Season (Regulated): November to February. A premium longan variety that rewrites the rules of seasonal availability, offering fresh, high-sugar longan when no other variety is on the market. With its continuous-flowering genetics, precise timing regulation technology, and exceptional off-season economics, Sijimi Longan represents a genuine breakthrough for growers seeking to differentiate their product and capture premium winter market pricing.