Candied Apple

Candied Apple

　　Wensu means “abundant water” in Uyghur and is known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” Although rainfall is scarce and the climate is arid here, the area is densely crisscrossed with waterways and boasts abundant water flow, nurturing lush oases. It also enjoys rich light and heat resources, with an annual average total solar radiation of 130–141 kcal/C㎡, sunshine hours ranging from 2855 to 2967 hours, a frost-free period as long as 205–219 days, and an average annual temperature of 7°C–8°C. The cold winters and extremely low incidence of pests and diseases during the fruit growth period, combined with the high altitude, large diurnal temperature variation, abundant sunlight, and irrigation with unpolluted glacial snowmelt from the Kekeya River, as well as cultivation in sandy soil, result in sugar accumulating transparently in the apple core—creating the world’s unique “Candied Apple.” The final key step in determining the quality of the candied core is the frost period in early October in the Aksu region. Therefore, Aksu’s “Candied Apples” have very strong regional characteristics, and the annual production of authentic high-quality fruit is only 5,000 tons.

　　　　Fruit Characteristics:

　　　　Smooth skin, pollution-free

　　　　Aksu has a warm temperate arid climate, with an average annual temperature of 7°C–8°C and relatively low rainfall, but abundant water flow. Due to the cold winters and low temperatures in the Aksu region, there are very few pests and diseases during the fruit growth period. In addition,

　　the dry and low-rainfall environment makes it difficult for mold to form, reducing the chances of damage to the fruit surface from pests, mold, and pesticides. As a result, Aksu Fuji apples have smooth, delicate skin with a naturally bright and glossy color.

　　　　Unique “Sugar Core”

　　　　　Thanks to the large diurnal temperature variation, abundant sunlight, and fertile soil in Aksu’s high-altitude areas, the apples have a high sugar content—with sugar levels around 18 degrees, offering particularly sweet taste. Aksu apples are all irrigated with glacial meltwater and grown in sandy soil, which causes sugar to accumulate transparently in the apple core, forming the world’s unique “sugar core” Fuji apple.

　　　　Juicy and Crisp Flesh

　　　　In addition to the unique geographical environment giving Aksu apples their juiciness and crispness, another important reason is that Aksu apples are strictly harvested only after October 25 each year. In contrast, inland apples are harvested between August and September due to higher temperatures. This allows Aksu apples a longer growth period and harvesting in lower temperatures, resulting in especially high juice content.