Lingtai Ox-Heart Apricot

Lingtai Ox-Heart Apricot

　　The ox-heart apricot, one of the traditional specialty fruits of Lingtai County in Gansu Province, gets its name from its resemblance to an “ox heart,” and is also known as the “Lingtai Large Apricot.” Lingtai has a long history of development, and its superior natural, social, and economic conditions are highly conducive to the production of large apricots.

　　The produced ox-heart apricots have an average single fruit weight of 65 grams. The fruits are brightly colored, juicy and flavorful, sweet with a pleasant acidity, and have a sweet kernel that separates easily from the flesh. They were famous across Shaanxi and Gansu provinces since the late Qing Dynasty, and were even presented as tribute to the imperial court during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Analysis shows they are rich in sugar, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and various vitamins. Modern medicine indicates they have special effects in cancer prevention and treatment, greatly increasing their value. The flesh can be eaten fresh or used to make dried apricots, apricot slices, and canned goods. The kernels are a key ingredient in high-end pastries. To date, the county has developed an planting area of 20,000 mu, with an annual yield reaching 12,000 tons.