The Desert's Honey: An Irresistible Treat
In the heart of Xinjiang, a unique fruit has earned the nickname "Desert Honey"—the dried apricot, a delicacy cherished for its unparalleled sweetness and rich flavor. These apricots, ripened and dried naturally, offer a burst of succulent joy that captivates anyone fortunate enough to taste them.
The Xinjiang dried apricot, or little red apricot, stands out for its honey-like sweetness and lush aroma. Unlike the tart apricots commonly found elsewhere, Xinjiang's variety defies expectations with its tender flesh and a sweetness akin to candied fruit, yet fresh and vibrant.
A Sensory Delight: From Tree to Taste Buds
Every summer, Xinjiang's orchards burst into a golden sea as these apricots reach their peak ripeness. Harvested by hand, these little gems are celebrated for their vivid orange hue and delicate blush, reminiscent of a summer sunset. The locals eagerly await this season, knowing that each bite of the sweet apricots heralds the pinnacle of summer's fruit offerings.
Holding a Xinjiang apricot is an experience in itself—its soft texture and alluring fragrance promise a taste unlike any other. The first bite confirms this promise, delivering a sweetness so profound it instantly dispels any memories of sour apricots. The juice, rich and abundant, adds to the pleasure, making it nearly impossible to resist finishing the entire batch in one go.Once you've tasted these apricots, the notion that all apricots are sour will be a distant memory, replaced by the lingering sweetness of their juice.
Despite their small size, these apricots pack a punch with their intense aroma and extraordinary sweetness. Even in Xinjiang, mentioning red apricots earns nods of approval from locals who regard them as the star of summer fruits. The soft, succulent texture of these apricots is irresistible, even for those wary of sour fruits. Xinjiang's red apricots surpass ordinary varieties with a sweetness that can reach levels above 20, rivaling the freshness of honey. Their golden, juicy flesh is rich and full, making it easy to devour an entire box without realizing it.
The Culinary Treasure of Aksu
The apricots hail from Aksu, a region in Xinjiang known for its exceptional produce. Aksu's unique climate, with long daylight hours, high altitudes, and significant temperature variations between day and night, creates the perfect environment for cultivating these extraordinary fruits. The result is an apricot so sweet it surpasses even the famous Aksu apples.
Local children eagerly anticipate the apricot harvest, their excitement a testament to the fruit's beloved status. For them, the arrival of these apricots marks a joyful time of indulgence in nature's candy, with each bite offering a delightful escape.
Double the Pleasure: Fruit and Nut
One of the remarkable features of the Xinjiang dried apricot is its dual offering. Not only is the fruit itself a sweet treat, but the pit hides a bonus—a large, flavorful almond. Crack open the pit, and you'll discover a fresh almond that rivals its roasted counterparts in taste and texture. This hidden gem adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making the apricot a two-in-one delicacy.
These almonds, with their subtle sweetness and fragrant taste, are a delightful surprise. They can be eaten fresh or saved and roasted for a crunchy snack. However, it's essential to note that sweet almonds contain trace amounts of amygdalin, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation. It's best to limit your daily intake to no more than 12 grams.
Limited Time, Unlimited Joy
The apricots are harvested from orchards where trees are over ten years old, ensuring a depth of flavor and nutrition. Grown in a pristine environment with no industrial traces, the apricots are nurtured with Tianshan snow water and natural fertilizers made from fermented lamb manure and grains.
Once mature, local farmers carefully climb the trees to handpick each apricot, sorting them immediately to minimize transport time. This ensures that the apricots you receive are as fresh as if they were just plucked from the tree.
The only downside to this delightful fruit is its short season. The optimal window for enjoying Xinjiang's dried apricots is a brief one-month period. This fleeting availability makes them all the more precious and highly sought after. To savor this seasonal treat, it's wise to act quickly and secure a supply before the opportunity passes.
Xinjiang's dried apricots offer a sensory experience that is as fleeting as it is unforgettable. From their honeyed sweetness and tender flesh to the surprise almond hidden within, these apricots embody the rich flavors and natural beauty of Xinjiang's agricultural heritage. Whether you're a seasoned fruit lover or a curious newcomer, these apricots promise a taste of summer that lingers long after the season has ended.
