The taste of a unique island, in four bites

Chongming is the world's largest sand island, and with its location on the estuary of the Yangtze River and the East China Sea and its unique soil traits, it is endowed with ideal conditions for growing many plants, vegetables and fruits.

Between 2010 and 2015, the local government shut down 156 factories and plants considered environmentally unfriendly, at a loss of 1.73 billion yuan ($260 million), to turn the 1,267-square-kilometer island into both an urban retreat for people and a paradise for flora and fauna. Last year its agriculture generated 5.9 billion yuan in output, accounting for one-third of the agricultural products consumed by the 24 million people of Shanghai. In addition to the produce the island grows, it has attracted an increasing number of urbanites fleeing city life to become farmers.

Following are some of the most well-known agricultural products from the island that distinguish it from other places and have proven to be irresistible to millions of Shanghainese, so much so that they are willing to make the return journey of 150 kilometers for a taste of Chongming.

Golden melon

Golden melon [Photo provided to China Daily]

Chongming is believed to have grown golden melons since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), after Chinese ships made their largest and longest overseas voyage in ancient history, with 240 vessels and 27,000 crew sailing to more than 30 countries and regions. They brought back a variety of foreign produce in exchange for china. But after centuries of crossbreeding, the melons grown in Chongming today are eight times larger than the original ones and weigh as much as a watermelon, says Chen Jun, vice-director of the district's agriculture department.

The melon is dubbed the vegetable jellyfish, mainly because of the similar color after it is peeled and sliced as an autumn appetizer, and its texture and flavor are closer to those of cucumbers.

Each year Chongming grows 530 hectares of golden melons, which weigh 24,000 metric tons. Since 1985 the island's golden melons have been exported to a dozen countries, and this autumn, for the first time, 500 kg of fresh golden melons are going to be sold in Hong Kong.