Xiale Watermelon: A Sweet Gift from 35° North Latitude

在山西运城的夏日街头，最引人注目的莫过于十字路口满载西瓜的大卡车。这些西瓜中，尤以夏县的“夏乐西瓜”最为出名，它不仅承载着八百年的种植历史，更是大自然对这片土地的甜蜜馈赠。

On the summer streets of Yuncheng, Shanxi, the most eye-catching sight is the trucks loaded with watermelons at crossroads. Among them, the "Xiale Watermelon" from Xiaxian County stands out, carrying not only an 800-year cultivation history but also nature's sweet gift to this land.

得天独厚的生长环境

Ideal Growing Conditions

夏县地处北纬35°的水果黄金产业带，这里气候温和，年均气温12.8℃，无霜期长达205天，加上疏松多孔的黄绵土和丰富的矿质养分，为西瓜的生长提供了绝佳条件。正是这样的自然环境，孕育出了皮薄如纸、瓤沙多汁的夏乐西瓜。它的中心甜芯含糖量高达13%以上，且糖度均匀，从第一口到最后一口都甘甜如初，被誉为西瓜界的“天花板”。

Xiaxian County is located at the 35° north latitude golden fruit belt, where the climate is mild, with an average annual temperature of 12.8°C and a frost-free period of up to 205 days. The loose, porous loess soil, rich in minerals, provides perfect conditions for watermelon growth. It is this natural environment that nurtures the Xiale Watermelon, known for its paper-thin rind, sandy and juicy flesh, and a sweetness that reaches over 13% brix at its core. What’s more, the sweetness is consistent from the first bite to the last, earning it the title of the "pinnacle" of watermelons.  

运城人的夏日记忆

A Summer Memory for Yuncheng Locals

对运城人来说，夏乐西瓜不仅是消暑佳品，更是一种生活情趣。当地人喜欢将西瓜与馍馍搭配，一口清甜的西瓜，一口麦香四溢的馍，简单的组合却能激发出百倍的美味。

For the people of Yuncheng, the Xiale Watermelon is not just a summer treat but also a way of life. Locals love pairing watermelon with steamed bread—a bite of the refreshingly sweet fruit followed by a bite of wheat-flavored bread creates a surprisingly delightful combination.   

此外，运城人还将西瓜的甜蜜延续到四季，制成独特的“西瓜酱”。经过一个半月的发酵，西瓜与大豆碰撞出咸甜交织的醇厚滋味，成为餐桌上的下饭神器，无论是炒菜、拌面还是佐馍，都让人回味无穷。

Beyond that, Yuncheng residents extend the sweetness of watermelon into all seasons by making a unique "watermelon sauce." After a month and a half of fermentation, the mixture of watermelon and soybeans develops a rich, savory-sweet flavor, becoming a versatile condiment. Whether stir-fried with dishes, mixed into noodles, or eaten with steamed bread, it adds an unforgettable touch to every meal.

传承与自然的馈赠

A Legacy of Nature’s Bounty

从南宋至今，夏乐西瓜的种植技术代代相传，而自然的厚爱始终未变。每一颗夏乐西瓜，都是土地与匠心的结晶，它不仅带来了夏日的清凉，更承载着运城人对生活的热爱与智慧。这份北纬35°的甜蜜，正等待着更多人品尝与分享。

From the Southern Song Dynasty to the present day, the cultivation techniques of Xiale Watermelon have been passed down through generations, while nature’s generosity remains unchanged. Each Xiale Watermelon is a testament to the harmony between the land and human craftsmanship. It brings not only summer refreshment but also embodies the Yuncheng people’s love for life and their ingenuity. This sweet gift from 35° north latitude awaits more people to taste and share.  

（图源网络侵删）

(The image source is from the internet. If infringement, it will be deleted.)

来源：中华网综合整理

Source: Comprehensive collation by sx.china.com