The Outstanding Representative of Yunnan Walnut Inshell — Yangbi Walnuts
China is a global leader in walnut production and consumption, ranking first in both cultivation area and output worldwide. Yunnan Province is one of the main walnut-producing regions in China. Yunnan Walnut Inshell, also known as southern walnuts and Yunnan Thin-shell Paper Walnut, primarily grow on mountain slopes or in valley forests at elevations of 1,300 to 3,300 meters. Among these regions, Dali stands out as the prefecture with the largest walnut cultivation area, highest yield, and broadest economic benefits in Yunnan. Yangbi County, in particular, boasts a long history of walnut cultivation. Once the largest walnut trading hub in the country, it was honored as the "Hometown of Chinese Walnuts" by the State Council in 1996.
Yangbi County is one of the origins of walnuts in China and the world. Forty years ago, a fossilized walnut wood specimen was unearthed in Yangbi, dating back over 3,500 years. Additionally, archaeological teams discovered vivid depictions of ancient people harvesting walnuts in the ancient cliff paintings of Cangshan Mountain, further evidencing Yangbi's millennia-old walnut culture. By the time of the Dali Kingdom during the Song Dynasty over a thousand years ago, walnuts had already become a significant local commodity. In Yangbi, there are many walnut trees that are a thousand years old, with the oldest "Sacred Walnut Tree" reaching an age of over 1,100 years.
Located on the plateau, Yangbi County enjoys pristine air and crystal-clear, high-quality water. Its unique climatic conditions include a frost-free period of more than 250 days and annual sunshine duration exceeding 1,500 hours. With elevations ranging from 600 to 3,000 meters and relatively neutral soil properties, Yangbi's distinctive environment, climate, and soil are exceptionally conducive to walnut growth and development. Over 100,000 mu (approximately 6,667 hectares) of walnut cultivation area in Yangbi has received organic certification. The walnuts here are known for their large size, thin shells, white kernels, and rich flavor. Fresh walnuts offer a crisp, sweet taste with ample moisture, while dried walnuts exude a robust aroma. Individual walnuts weigh between 12.3 and 17.1 grams, with shells as thin as 0.4 to 0.9 millimeters. The kernel yield is notably high, ranging from 53.2% to 76.56%.
Yangbi Walnuts, renowned as "Dapao Walnuts," are an outstanding representative variety in Yunnan walnuts. Over 70% of walnut seedlings in Yunnan originate from Yangbi, and the more than 10 million mu (approximately 666,667 hectares) of walnut cultivation area in Dali Prefecture all benefit from Yangbi's seedling supply. The per capita walnut cultivation area in Dali Prefecture reaches 5.2 mu, with a total of 42 superior varieties. Yet, Yangbi's Dapao Walnuts remain the most celebrated. Over 70% of walnut seedlings in Yunnan originate from Yangbi, and the more than 10 million mu (approximately 666,667 hectares) of walnut cultivation area in Dali Prefecture all benefit from Yangbi's seedling supply. The per capita walnut cultivation area in Dali Prefecture reaches 5.2 mu, with a total of 42 superior varieties. Yet, Yangbi's Dapao Walnuts remain the most celebrated.
The unique geographical environment and favorable climate of Yangbi collectively shape the exceptional quality of its walnuts. The fruits are plump and large, with thin, easy-to-crack shells and kernels as white as jade. Their rich, aromatic flavor and high nutritional value have earned them international acclaim. Premium ingredients forge high-quality products. Hebei Huadai carefully selects high-quality walnuts with shells from Yangbi, known as the “Hometown of Chinese Walnuts” to provide consumers with healthy, nutritious, and safe walnuts and a variety of processed products.
