Aksu walnuts

Aksu walnuts

Aksu walnuts are a national intangible cultural heritage.

　　Geographical area

　　　Mainly distributed in areas such as Wensu County, Aksu City, Baicheng County, Wushi County, Shaya County, Kuqa County, Awati County, and Xinhe County.

　　Distinctive qualities

　　　　Aksu walnuts are well-known across China for their large size, thin shells, and high oil content. Especially notable are the walnut varieties here that resemble fragrant pears in size, the high-oil-content oil walnuts, and the paper-shell walnuts whose shells can be cracked open with a light squeeze. Walnuts are a major cash crop in Aksu, which is known as the “Hometown of Walnuts.” As the saying goes, “It takes three years for a peach, four for an apricot, five for a pear, but nine years to enjoy a walnut.” Walnut trees require a long time from planting to fruiting, but today, thanks to technological improvements, Aksu’s walnuts can yield large, aromatic, and distinctive varieties in just the second year after planting. Aksu walnuts are not only sold domestically, but are also exported in large quantities to countries such as Germany, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Besides being consumed fresh, the walnuts are also processed into walnut oil, food products, candies, beverages, and other value-added products, extending the industrial chain, increasing added value, and bringing substantial benefits to local residents.