Shandong's county unlocks potential of zaojiao

The Chinese honey locust, whose fruit is called zaojiao, was used in ancient times to wash clothes and hair – long before the rise of industrial technology and modern soaps and cleaning.

In Chengwu county, located in Heze city of East China's Shandong province, young entrepreneur Li Chuangxiao has developed an industry supply chain. His efforts involve large-scale cultivation of zaojiao trees, product research and development, advanced processing and both online and on-site sales to show the remarkable value of zaojiao.

Right now, the zaojiao trees in Sunsi town at Chengwu county's plantation are thriving, with plump fruit weighing down their branches.

It's understood that zaojiao can be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as for food, cosmetics and health products.

To top it off, the skins of zaojiao can be turned into skincare products or traditional Chinese medicinal herbal pieces.

The plantation currently has over 600 mu (40 hectares) of zaojiao trees and has employed a business model of enterprise + base + farmers. This has resulted in engaging over 5,000 people, turning zaojiao cultivation into an eco-friendly industry that boosts the incomes of local residents. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)

[Video for chinadaily.com.cn]