Shanghai's Jiading district's grape season is in full swing as the Black King and the Queen Nina luxury-tier varieties — hailed as the "Hermes of grapes" — reach their pampered maturity at the Yuanzhicui Ecological Agriculture Cooperative.
These high-sweetness, seedless grapes offer customers a rare taste of luxury.
Luxury on a branch: A luscious bunch of Queen Nina variety grapes on the vine. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
Walking into the standardized greenhouses, visitors are greeted by neatly arranged grapevines bearing clusters of deep purple grapes dusted with white bloom.
The plump, translucent fruit bursts with sweetness when bitten, leaving a lingering, delicate flavor.
High in demand: Black King grapes. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
"Black King is our newly cultivated variety," said Zhang Hui, cooperative director. "This Japanese hybrid, a cross between Kyoho and Berry A, is a triploid seedless grape. Its sugar content exceeds 20 degrees while maintaining a balanced acidity for a unique taste," Zhang added.
Next-door, the pink-hued Queen Nina dazzles with its ruby-like appearance. Each grape carries a floral aroma reminiscent of roses and has a subtle wine-like fragrance. "It's sweet, juicy profile has quickly made it a market favorite," Zhang declared.
The cooperative applies organic fertilizers, bagging techniques and rain-avoidance cultivation across 50 mu (3.33 hectares), controlling yields at 1,500-1,800 catty per mu (about 750-900 kilograms per 667 square meters).
Late-harvested Black King and Queen Nina extend the fresh grape supply into late August, filling the gap after early varieties leave the market.
For tasting: Yuanzhicui Orchard, No 5051 Huyi Highway, Jiabei Country Park Gate 1, 800 meters west.
Contact: +86 18916805268.