During the recent competitions of the Zhejiang Provincial City Basketball League's Jinhua Division, a new health drink called yuzhu (Polygonatum odoratum) snow pear juice unexpectedly stole the limelight.

Made from the traditional medicinal herb from Pan'an county in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, the refreshing beverage quickly won customers' hearts with its unique flavor.

Nestled 900 meters above sea level, the Honggen Family Farm interplants 200 mu (13.33 hectares) of yuzhu and 100 mu of other Chinese medical herbs among oil tea seedlings.

"Though lower-yielding due to elevation, yuzhu boasts superior efficacy," said Chen Honggen, manager of the farm.

The herb, known for moistening dryness and quenching thirst, holds significant pharmaceutical value. Those grown in Pan'an feature a tender texture and subtly sweet taste, which are not only sold nationwide but also frequently exported.

Developed jointly with the Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute after two years of trials, the first deep-processed product of the herb — yuzhu snow pear juice — combines herbal benefits with modern consumer demand.

"The beverage is additive-free and maintains its original flavor," Chen said. Glass bottles and heat-resistant aluminum caps underscore the strict safety standards despite the higher costs. Market tests have confirmed its competitive edge among wellness beverages.

The institute has also developed products like ointments and wine made from the herb. Its partnership with the farm is forging an integrated supply chain that drives the yuzhu industry toward deep processing.

Xu Hongyang, director of Pan'an science and technology bureau, said, "The beverage is an example of breaking the walls between lab and production." The "field-lab-market" breakthrough is sowing the seed of innovation across industries in Pan'an.