RESUMO
Objective:To study the influence of harvest time on the characters of Chaenomeles Spciosa ( Sweet) Nakai to determine the optimal harvest time with traditional characters of the Chinese medicine. Methods: In order to explore the optimal harvest time of Chaenomeles Spciosa ( Sweet) Nakai, the content of alcohol-soluble extract, weight and acidity of Chaenomeles Spciosa ( Sweet) Nakai with different harvest time were determined, the weather conditions in recent 3 years was summarized, and the drying process was also studied. Results:The average weight of Chaenomeles Spciosa(Sweet)Nakai was the lowest in June and highest in August, and the den-sity reached maximum in mid-July. During the whole harvest time, the content of alcohol-soluble extract was stable. The weather con-ditions from mid-July to late-July were with high temperature, dry and little rain, which was suitable for drying of Chaenomeles Spciosa ( Sweet) Nakai. Conclusion:The optimal harvest time of Chaenomeles Spciosa( Sweet) Nakai is confirmed in mid-July according to the traditional customs, drying conditions and characters of the Chinese medicine.