Joyfruit is a completely new heath fruit developed by Yanoon Biotech. It was domesticated from a wild fruit Akebia trifoliata native to China, after twenty years of persistent and systematic research.

Joyfruit, or Akebia, belongs to the family Lardizabalaceae. It is a deciduous or semi evergreen woody liana. The most common species is Akebia trifoliata. Wild Akebia plants distribute widely in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River and surrounding regions in China. The fruit normally mature and split naturally in the eighth month on Chinese lunar calendar, so it is commonly known as “Bayuezha” (eighth month splitting). Because the fruit shape is like the testis of bull, so it is called “Niuluantuo” (bull testis) in eastern region of Hunan province and “Niuluanzi” (bull testis) in western region of Hunan province.

The fruit of Akebia trifoliata is extremely sweet and delicious, and has light fragrance. However, fruit from the wild normally has thick skin and numerous seeds, but only little flesh. In addition, the fruit usually has rough surface with many spots and rather unattractive appearance, so the commercial value of the fruit is very limited. The research team of Yanoon BioTech headed by Dr Zhangyan Wang began research on domestication and utilization of Akebia trifoliata from 1994. After twenty years of persistent work, the research has achieved great success. A series of good cultivars have been selected, which have big fruit size, much fewer seeds and attractive appearance. Now “Joyfruit” has been registered as the trade name for this new fruit to facilitate its commercialization.

Joyfruit has a number of excellent characteristics:

Firstly, excellent fruit quality. The fruit has a soluble solids content about 25%, and is very sweet and delicious; indeed the taste is regarded the best of all fruits by many consumers.

Secondly, highly nutritious and healthy. Akebia trifoliata has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years. It can promote blood circulation and clear blockage in blood vessels. It also has strong skin-whitening effects by effectively inhibiting the formation of melanin in the skin.

Thirdly, very wide adaptability. The plant can tolerate wide range of adverse soil and environmental conditions, such as high summer temperature, low winter temperature, dry or wet soil conditions. It is suitable for growing in very wide climatic regions.

Fourthly, early bearing and high-yielding. It begins to bear fruit in the second year after planting, and reaches full production from the fourth year, with average yield around 2000 kg/ mu (30 ton/ha).

Fifthly, multiple uses. Joyfruit can be used either as a fresh fruit, or be processed into beverage, health care products, cosmetics and medicines.

Joyfruit, fruit of the 21st century!