Pear by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
China is a world leader in both fruit plantation and production. In 2021, China’s fruit farms spanned an extensive area of 12.808 million hectares, resulting in an impressive harvest of 299.7 million tons. China is indeed a fruit paradise, offering a diverse range of fruits at affordable prices.
In China, you can enjoy any fruit without impacting the household budget. Now, let us explore some of the delicious fruits that fill the fruit bowls in Chinese households.
Apple by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
1. Apple
Would you like to guess how many apple varieties are native to China? The answer is an impressive 23, among which the Red Fuji makes up the largest proportion.
Here is another fun fact: in 2021, China harvested a staggering 45.9734 million tons of apples, 55% of global production. Notably, Shaanxi Province stands as China’s primary apple production region, contributing to a quarter of the nation’s apple output. Apples delight the senses with their colors, smells, and flavors. They are nourishing and tasty, with diverse varieties and hues.
Apple by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
The Chinese words for “apple” and “peace” share the same pronunciation. Drawing from Western tradition during Christmas Eve celebrations, some young people in China have given apples a new name: “peace fruits”. They hope to express their blessings of peace and happiness by giving apples as gifts. This is a fun example of cultural fusion between China and the West.
Crisp sugar-coated apple by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Apples can be carved into various shapes and patterns to decorate dishes. They also star as the main ingredient in many dishes, such as crispy apple fritters, and desserts like apple pie and apple strudel.
Tangerine by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
2. Citrus
Citrus fruits are not only colorful and nutritious but are also characterized by a zesty taste. They can be consumed in many ways, from enjoying them fresh or canned, to drinking their juice or using them in jams and preserves. Every component of the fruit is considered valuable, from the peel to the pulp. Citrus peels have medicinal and culinary uses, such as making tangerine peel tea or pu-erh tea with green tangerine.
Tangerine by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
China is the birthplace of most citrus fruits, except lemon (Citrus limon), which is native to India. China is a world leader in cultivating citrus, producing 55.9561 million tons in 2021, 28% of the world’s total.
Since the words tangerine and “auspicious” are homophonic in Chinese, some regions in the country practice the tradition of giving citrus fruits as gifts to express their good wishes.
Pear by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
3. Pear
There are two primary varieties of cultivated pears: European and Asian. The pears cultivated in China are predominantly Asian varieties. Pears are one of China’s most popular fruits, third only to apples and citrus. In 2021, China produced over 18.87 million tons of pears, encompassing different varieties and flavors. The fruit can be found in Hebei, Xinjiang, Anhui, Shandong, Sichuan, Liaoning, and many other regions.
Pears are a delicious and nutritious fruit, with some varieties having a distinctive fragrance that delights the senses. They can be enjoyed either fresh or made into tasty products like pear preserves and pear juice.
Sweet stewed snow pear by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Some people in Yunnan, China, have a unique way of enjoying pears. Sour pears are pickled in a mixture of brine, licorice, and salt, allowing them to soak and develop a distinctive flavor and texture. During the winter season, residents of Northeast China and Northwest China make frozen pears. Additionally, in traditional Chinese medicine, there is a remedy known as pear water, which involves cooking pears with rock sugar to help alleviate coughs.
Pear by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Here is a fun fact! In Chinese culture, pears are a symbol of parting because the word pear is homophonic with the word for separation. With this in mind, don’t share a pear with someone you love or bring pears when visiting someone in the hospital, as this gesture may be misunderstood and be taken as a farewell.
Peach by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
4. Peach
Peaches are highly nutritious, containing protein, sugar, vitamins, and other nutrients. They are also refreshingly juicy and delicious.
Dessert - Peach by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Peaches are native to China, having been cultivated in the country for over 4,000 years. The ancestry of over 95% of the world’s cultivated peach varieties can be traced back to the Shanghai honey nectar peach. China grows more peaches than any other country, with cultivation occurring all over the country, especially in many regions along the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers.
Dessert - Longevity Peach by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Peaches are a symbol of immortality and longevity in Chinese folklore. They have been loved by many people throughout history, and the captivating beauty of peach blossoms has led to their cultivation as ornamental trees in urban areas. This natural wonder has also served as a muse for various forms of art, music, and literature, capturing the essence of their beauty. In Chinese culture, peaches also represent the desire for a long and happy life.
Watermelon by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
5. Watermelon
Watermelons originated from Africa but have been cultivated in China since the Southern Song dynasty. Watermelons are an ideal summer fruit, with sugar levels ranging between 5% and 12% and virtually no starch content. They can be enjoyed as is or as a refreshing juice.
Watermelon by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Today, watermelons are cultivated throughout China, and the country is the world’s top producer of the fruit, with a staggering 60.24 million tons in 2020, equating to 59.29% of the global output and surpassing the combined output of the next nine countries by more than threefold. The high output can be translated to an annual per-capita consumption of 49 kg in China.
Watermelon by World Federation of Chinese Cuisine IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
China’s impressive watermelon production is a result of substantial investment in watermelon breeding and cultivation, which have yielded many breakthroughs. These outcomes include a high yield, rich variety, affordable price, and good quality, all making it possible for anyone to savor a wide range of watermelons in China without straining their budget.
