Dried bitter gourds become a market hit

Dried bitter gourd products from Lanling town – situated in Lanling county in Linyi city, in East China's Shandong province – have become a big hit in the market, bringing prosperity to the local villagers.

The products are used in high-quality tea for health after being brewed, with a local food manufacturer called Doujin engaged in the field.

A farmhand examines fresh bitter gourds.  [Photo by Li Xiaohui for chinadaily.com.cn]

The company is situated in Lanling town's Aiqu area, a region known as the main vegetable planting and sales area in the county.

Although the quality of Aiqu's bitter gourds is good, they couldn't necessarily be sold at a higher price. The processing conducted by the company, however, turns the bitter gourds into dried bitter gourds and increases the value.

"People now pay attention to their health and our dried bitter gourd products are quite popular," said company chief Miao Hu.

Looking ahead, plans are for Lanling town to conduct tailored industrial planning based on the different advantages of resident villages –promoting the modernization, efficiency and sustainable development of agriculture. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)

A member of staff checks trays of dried bitter gourds. [Photo by Li Xiaohui for chinadaily.com.cn]