中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

As summer arrives, the Fujian Provincial Seed Industry Innovation Base on Langqi Island is celebrating a bountiful corn harvest. This year, nearly 300 corn varieties developed in recent years are being showcased, including 40 new varieties presented at the national level. The base’s total corn yield is expected to reach 50,000 kilograms this year.

In the fields, the corn stalks stand tall, yet the corn varies in shape across the same plot. The secret is in the markers placed between the rows—each one serves as an “ID card” for the corn, showing the name of its variety. From “Wannong Tiannuo 158” to “Jingkenuo 579,” each name carries the breeder’s dedication and hard work.

“This corn variety boasts high yield and strong disease resistance, making it ideal for large-scale cultivation.” “This variety has a delicate texture and a perfect level of sweetness, making it a favorite among consumers.”… On-site, Chen Jinghe, the production and cultivation manager at the Langqi Seed Industry Innovation Base, introduced the features and planting techniques of each variety.

The corn cobs, wrapped in pale green husks, are plump and firm, ready for “inspection.” During harvest season, the base invites experts, seed companies, large-scale growers, and wholesalers to form a “judging panel” to evaluate the varieties on-site. The panel examines the growth of each corn variety, measuring the length and diameter of the cobs, checking the fullness and color of the kernels, and noting the unique traits and advantages of each variety. Afterwards, they harvest the corn, steam it, and taste it to assess its texture, sweetness, tenderness, and so on.

The base has also established platforms for seed companies to showcase their varieties and for growers to choose varieties, effectively bridging the “last mile” in the extension of improved varieties. However, aside from a few cobs set aside for tasting, most of the corn in the display area had already been pre-ordered by consumers via the “Rural Fun Tour” mini-program before harvest. In the fields, workers are busy harvesting the ripe corn, moving expertly through the rows. The corn is quickly transported to the sorting area, where it is selected and loaded for delivery. Soon, it will find its way to consumers’ tables, bringing the fresh, sweet scent of the fields and becoming a cherished summer memory. (Fuzhou Daily Reporter: Ouyang Jinquan; Correspondent: Jiang Chaoyun)