Farmers in SIP’s Loufeng Sub-district are busy harvesting Nandang gorgon fruit, a widely-known Suzhou specialty that is nicknamed “chicken head rice” by locals.

From early August to early October, the farmers pick the gorgon fruits every seven days, and then peel them, take the seeds out and shell and dry them.

Xu Jinxiang, an ex-serviceman who grew gorgon fruits in a traditional way, started work at around 3:00am.

“The seeds must be harvested at the right time in order to ensure the best taste. I feel very tired after hours of work, but I am happy, since it will bring not only a good income, but also contentment.”

August 21, 2024