Zhongshan Enterprise's Nine-Year Endeavor Builds a Full Industry Chain of Jamun as Both Food and Medicine
Published: 2026-06-25 Source: Zhongshan+
On June 24, at the Coolcoolle Fruit Jungle planting base in Xinping Village, Minzhong Street, Zhongshan Haizaoye Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Haizaoye Company") saw clusters of purple-black Jamun fruits hanging on the branches after nine years of hard work, marking the first successful large-scale introduction of the fruit in China. The company has not only filled the gap in commercial Jamun cultivation in the country but also developed a series of high-value-added products around its powerful medicinal value. A "food and medicine homology" industry chain from field to laboratory is taking shape.
Nine Years of Hard Work to Crack the Introduction Code of the "Miraculous Fruit"
Jamun, known as the "fruit of life" in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, is native to South Asia. Its seeds, bark, leaves, and fruits are widely used in clinical applications. It is used to treat diabetes, dysentery, ulcers, and as an anti-inflammatory and astringent.
"Our company introduced Jamun seeds from India in 2017, making us the first in the country," recalled company director Wang Lu. As an agricultural technology company experienced in introducing new varieties, they keenly recognized Jamun's great potential. However, the introduction process was not smooth. Due to confusion between the plant and the local "Hainan grape" in Chinese botany, this excellent functional fruit had long been overlooked and not introduced.
Farmers are picking Jamun fruits from the tree. Photo by Zhang Jingtian
From sowing the first batch of seeds in 2018 to some trees bearing fruit in 2024, Haizaoye Company spent a full seven years. During this period, they had to overcome differences in climate, soil, and other environmental factors, as well as develop a complete set of seedling and planting techniques. "Seedlings generally take seven years to bear fruit, but through grafting technology, we have shortened the fruiting cycle to three years. Currently, the first batch of trees is fully bearing fruit, which took us nine years," Wang Lu said. The company has successfully cultivated over 20,000 grafted seedlings, covering an area of 50 mu, with the earliest planted 200-plus trees entering their peak yield period, achieving a yield of over 1,000 kg per mu. Jamun trees are arborous, evergreen, with developed root systems, strong wind and waterlogging resistance, making them very suitable for planting in the Lingnan region and as courtyard trees. The fruiting period is about 20 days, and fresh fruits are now on sale both online and offline. The online price per jin is as high as 70–80 yuan.
Farmers pour the harvested Jamun fruits into a bamboo basket. Photo by Zhang Jingtian
Every Part Is a Treasure, Science and Technology Enable Deep Development
The value of Jamun goes far beyond being a fruit. In Haizaoye Company's plan, it is a "gold mine" where every part can be deeply exploited to create significant value. Standing in the orchard, Wang Lu counted on his fingers the functions of the entire Jamun plant for the reporter. The seeds are a natural "sugar controller." This is the most well-known use of Jamun. The company collects mature seeds, dries them, and grinds them into powder, selling it as a natural dietary supplement.
The ripe Jamun fruits in the orchard. Photo by Zhang Jingtian
The pulp can be made into a cooling "fire-reducing drink." Jamun pulp is sweet and sour, with an excellent cooling and fire-reducing effect. After nearly a year of experiments, the company's R&D team is developing a canned Jamun cooling beverage, aiming to make it a summer refreshment.
Leaves become a new raw material for skincare. Jamun leaves have an astonishing essential oil content. Through supercritical CO₂ extraction, the dry leaf essential oil extraction rate can reach 4%. This oil has strong antibacterial and astringent properties, making it a high-quality raw material for the cosmetics industry.
Haizaoye Company has not stopped at selling primary agricultural products but has leveraged its strong R&D capabilities to extend into the downstream health industry.
The harvested Jamun fruits. Photo by Zhang Jingtian
During the interview, Wang Lu showed the reporter a notification on his phone: "Invention Patent Application Publication Notice + Substantive Examination." Two invention patents based on Jamun have entered the substantive examination stage. One is "A Low-Sugar Natural Plant-Based Oral Care Functional Gummy and Its Preparation Method." This product ingeniously combines the antibacterial properties of Jamun leaves with the natural flavor of the pulp, aiming to address oral problems such as canker sores and periodontitis. The other patent focuses on its oil-control and antibacterial effects for treating skin issues like acne.
"We are not just planting fruits; we are developing a functional plant resource," Wang Lu said with a smile. From the initial novelty introduction to the formation of a complete industry chain integrating planting, seedling cultivation, product R&D, and patent layout, Zhongshan Haizaoye Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. has injected modern technological vitality into this ancient fruit.
Editor: Ruan Chenxue Second Review: Wei Duojia Third Review: Lin Zhiqiang
Reporters: Zheng Jianling, Zhang Jingtian
