Edible chrysanthemums produced in Zhongshan's Xiaolan Town started to enter the retail market through Freshippo, e-commerce giant Alibaba's grocery and fresh goods retail chain, in early March this year, reaching dining tables in over 40 cities nationwide. The first crop of Xiaolan chrysanthemums was almost sold out in one week, with a repurchase rate of over 40%.

Unlike traditional chrysanthemums, edible chrysanthemums can be used directly for food, such as salads, floral sashimi, tea and soup.

On April 8, farmers in the 30-mu edible chrysanthemum planting base in Xiaolan, were busy with the planting and maintenance of clusters of golden blooming chrysanthemums.

"Previously, the edible chrysanthemums were mainly supplied to local restaurants to prepare special dishes. Taking advantage of Freshippo, this famous flower has found its way into thousands of homes," said Ou Juanhua, head of the planting base, adding that edible chrysanthemums can be produced year-round, and the base has increased the cultivation scale to 200 mu.