Having been engaged in tourism in Xinjiang for so many years, I have always been asked by many tourists what fruits they can eat when traveling in Xinjiang. There are fruits to eat all year round in Xinjiang, especially in summer, which is also the peak tourist season, so we have summarized some seasonal fruits in Xinjiang during the peak tourist season
There has been a popular rhyme in Xinjiang: "Grapes in Turpan, melons in Hami, the pomegranates in Yecheng are praised by everyone, the fragrant pears in Korla are the best in the world, the apples in Ili are top-notch, the figs in Atush are famous, the watermelons in Xiayedi are sweet and sandy, the cherries in Kashgar are as beautiful as pearls, the melons in Jiashi are sweet enough to decay teeth, the thin-skinned walnuts in Hotan don’t need to be knocked, there are melons and fruits all year round, and you won’t feel homesick when you come to Xinjiang".
Mulberries
Mulberries are known as the "primrose in melons and fruits", divided into white and purple varieties. They have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney, nourishing yin and enriching blood. Every May, mulberries in Turpan ripen, indicating the beginning of the Xinjiang melon and fruit season. In June and July, mulberries in southern Xinjiang also ripen successively, visible everywhere on the roadside.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in carotenoids, which can effectively prevent arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, etc. Every May and June, delicate and juicy strawberries come into the market successively.
Apricot
In Uyghur, it is called "yulük". According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, apricots are sweet and sour, having the effects of nourishing the lungs, calming asthma, quenching thirst, and generating saliva. Xinjiang has a wide variety of apricots, mainly divided into red apricots, white apricots, and yellow apricots. Among them, Kucha white apricots, Salaiti apricots from Yingjisha County in Kashgar, and Heye apricots from Yecheng have good taste. Every June is the apricot harvest season. Buying and tasting some from roadside stalls can instantly dissipate fatigue.
Plum
Plums have the effects of improving eye health, alleviating pain and swelling, and preventing abdominal pain. The best place for plum production in Xinjiang is Habahe County. Every July and August, crisp and refreshing plums, as well as sweet and red apple-plums hang on the branches, making people envious just by looking at them.
Peach
Peaches in Xinjiang are mainly divided into two types: juicy peaches and flat peaches. The superior growth environment makes Xinjiang’s peaches full and sweet. July in Yili and August-September in Toksun are both good places to taste peaches. It is worth mentioning the flat peaches produced in Xinjiang, which are a precious fruit. Flat peaches are a variety of peach with an oval shape and a small depression on the top, forming a small nest. Their skin is dark yellow with a blush on the top. They are sweet and juicy. Flat peaches contain a high amount of iron, ranking nearly first among fruits. Therefore, eating flat peaches can prevent anemia. Flat peaches are rich in pectin and regular consumption can prevent constipation. They deserve the name of "immortal peach".
Watermelon
As one of the highlights of Xinjiang’s fruit and melon season, the quality of watermelons naturally speaks for itself. Watermelons from all over Xinjiang are delicious, especially those from Turpan and Xiayedi in Shihezi. From June to September each year, watermelons can be said to dominate the entire summer.
Cherry
Cherries are sweet and delicious, rich in vitamins, and are a favorite fruit of many girls. Unfortunately, the price of cherries in the south is extremely high, so come to Xinjiang. Around May each year, the cherry season arrives, and visiting the city of cherries, Kashgar, allows you to enjoy cherry freedom.
Hami Melon
Its cultivation history can be traced back to the Jin Dynasty and was named during the Qing Dynasty. Due to growth conditions, Hami melons are only cultivated in Xinjiang and Gansu. The best quality Hami melons are produced in Jiashi County, Kashgar, southern Xinjiang. Hami and Turpan in northern Xinjiang are also good places to enjoy melons. The best varieties of Hami melon are Hongxincui and Huangjinlong. The melon-eating season is generally from July to September each year.
Grape
Grapes can be said to be a postcard of Xinjiang’s fruits and melons, with more than 600 varieties. Turpan grapes are the most famous and renowned worldwide. Every August, Turpan holds a grand Grape Festival, so grape lovers should not miss it. It is said to be sweeter than first love. Besides large vineyards in the suburbs, grapes are also planted in every courtyard, creating a scene where "the city is surrounded by grapes, and people are surrounded by grapes".
Pear
Xinjiang is abundant in pear resources, with more than 60 varieties. Among them, Dangshan pear (introduced from Dangshan County, Anhui Province) and Korla pear are well-known for their large fruit size, thin skin, fine flesh, juicy taste, and sweetness, making them extremely popular among people. Pears are high in sugar content and also rich in vitamin C, phosphorus, and calcium. In Uyghur, pear is called "naisimiti". During hot summer days, eating a sweet and juicy pear is such a delightful experience. From September each year to February of the next year is the best season to eat pears.
Apple
Speaking of apples in Xinjiang, the first variety that comes to most people’s minds is Aksu’s "Bingtangxin", which can be said to be the best among apples. Due to the large diurnal temperature variation and short frost-free period throughout the year, Bingtangxin apples rank among the top in sugar content among apple varieties. The harvest season is from November each year to February of the next year.
Pomegranate
Called "Anar" in Uyghur, the pomegranate is known as the king of vitamin C, and in Uyghur it is called "Anar". The main producing areas are Pishan County in the Hotan region and Yecheng, the hometown of pomegranates. Every September to October, the crimson pomegranates resemble rubies, waiting for people to taste. The pomegranates from Yecheng, the "Hometown of Pomegranates", are the most famous. Yecheng is located at the northern foot of the Kunlun Mountains, with a short frost period, long sunshine duration, large diurnal temperature variation, and good soil quality, which is very suitable for the growth of pomegranates. Yecheng pomegranates are red in color and sweet in juice, deeply loved by people.
Elaeagnus angustifolia
There are two types of Elaeagnus angustifolia, namely "Kakajikde" (small Elaeagnus angustifolia) and "Nangjikde" (large Elaeagnus angustifolia). In June and July, the Elaeagnus angustifolia trees bloom with golden yellow flowers, and the fragrance can drift far away, so it is also known as "Seven-mile Fragrance". From mid-to-late October, you can taste the sweet Elaeagnus angustifolia. Dried Elaeagnus angustifolia in Xinjiang is also very delicious.
Walnut
Called "Pister" in Uyghur, it is a rare and precious fruit tree. It is a deciduous small tree. The walnuts in Xinjiang have thick meat and thin shells. Aksu is not only the hometown of apples but also the hometown of walnuts, with very good quality and price. Every August to September, in Kashgar, the largest walnut-producing area in Xinjiang, truckloads of walnuts are ready to be dispatched to various parts of the country. Walnuts are nutritious, with the kernel containing 54% to 68% vegetable oil, as well as vitamins A and B. Pistachio nuts are regarded as top-grade nuts in the international market, along with badam, and have high economic value.
Fig
The fig in Xinjiang has the reputation of the "Queen of Fruits", with excellent quality and unique flavor. It is cultivated extensively in the Tarim Basin, with the most cultivation in Kashgar and Atush. Generally, early figs are available in July, and are prevalent from August to September. During this time, the fruit is sweet and juicy with a fragrant taste. Besides being sold as fresh fruit, it can also be made into dried fruit and jam. The so-called fig is not without flowers, but its flowers are hidden in the sac-like receptacle. The fig that people eat is actually its receptacle.
Badam
The precious specialty of Kashgar is the dried fruit most cherished by the Uyghur people. They often use it to entertain guests and present it to friends. They even embroider its pattern on clothing and hats. Badam, also known as almond with thin shell, is the dried fruit most valued by the Uyghur people in Xinjiang. It is mainly produced in counties such as Shufu, Yingjisha, Shache, and Yecheng in the Kashgar Oasis south of Mount Tianshan. Every early autumn, when the badam in the orchard turns from green to yellow with a hint of blush and begins to ripen and crack, people continuously come to buy and pick, quickly snapping up the ripe badam.
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