Kuqa Small White Apricots

Kuqa Small White Apricots

Kuqa Small White Apricots is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Kuqa Small White Apricots is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural produce.

　　Kuqa is known as the "Hometown of Apricots" and boasts as many as 23 varieties, among which the small white apricot is the crown jewel. The county plants over 50,000 mu of small white apricots, yielding more than 15,000 tons annually. Fresh small white apricots can be dried or made into apricot preserves, categorized into three types: black, yellow, and kernel-inclusive. Provided by 《Qiuci Style》 (Kuqa)

　　Kuqa County is hailed as the "Home of China’s White Apricots," with dozens of local apricot varieties including ginkgo apricots, flat apricots, butter apricots, and chili apricots… Among them, the small white apricot is the most famous. Although the earliest cultivation history of Kuqa apricots is unclear, records in 《Great Tang Records of the Western Regions》 mention: “The kingdom of Quci (present-day Kuqa area) spans over a thousand li east to west and six hundred li north to south, producing grapes, pomegranates, pears, plums, peaches, apricots…”

　　Every June, as the first ripe apricot goes “plop” and falls to the ground, Kuqa’s apricot season begins. Whether it’s the golden, sweet season of ripe apricots, the green, sour days of unripe ones, or even sitting under a flaming pomegranate tree—which locals call an “apricot orchard”—it’s all tied to Kuqa’s long-standing fame as the “Hometown of White Apricots.”

　　Kuqa’s “apricot orchards” differ from the inland concept of “agritainment,” which usually centers on mahjong, drinking, and farm-style meals. Instead, they are vibrant places for singing, dancing, and enjoying grilled lamb—an authentic feast of folk culture. Our reporting team passed through the Wuerqia Bazaar on the edge of town, whisked past the poplar trees lining the road, and headed straight for the “apricot orchard.” “Apricot blossoms glow red in the garden, but don’t mistake them for mere flowers; though lovers smile your way, never let desire take you too far…” A song drifted on the breeze, quickening our steps. Entering the “apricot orchard,” we found an arched grapevine corridor. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the bright orange-yellow apricots on the branches, while the air carried a sweet, mouthwatering fragrance. Only by peeking through gaps in the grapevines and foliage could you see the vast orchard dotted not only with glistening apricot trees but also fuzzy papayas…

　　White Apricots Sweeter Than Honey

　　The orchard owner was picking ripe apricots from the trees and placing them in baskets. Seeing visitors, he hopped down and eagerly invited us to taste the fragrant fruit. “Go on, have some—these are Akeqimixi, super sweet, sweet enough to reach right down to your kidneys!” He handpicked a bunch of top-quality small white apricots and handed them over. His “Akeqimixi” refers to the renowned Kuqa Small White Apricots. Indeed, with their light yellow, translucent skin, smooth surface, and no fuzz, these apricots were tender, residue-free, sweet, refreshing, and richly aromatic—making you want to eat one after another. No wonder they earn the praise of “Kuqa White Apricots Sweeter Than Honey.”

　　The small white apricot is the most famous among Kuqa’s over 60 apricot varieties. Its Uyghur name is “Akeqimixi,” meaning “white honey.” Visiting this season means enjoying peak harvest time, a true feast for the taste buds.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Kuqa, anciently known as Qiuci, is a radiant pearl on the ancient Silk Road and the birthplace of Qiuci culture, a treasure of Eastern art. It is located in central-western Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, eastern Aksu Prefecture, on the southern foothills of the central Tianshan Mountains and the northern edge of the Tarim Basin. It borders Luntai County to the east, Shaya County to the south, Baicheng County to the west, and Hejing County to the north. The geographical indication protection area for Kuqa Small White Apricots includes 215 villages under the jurisdiction of Wuaqia Town, Yixihala Town, Yuqiwusitang Township, Alahage Town, Qiman Town, Hanikatamu Township, Dunkuotang Town, Yahao Town, Wuzun Town, Akesitang Township, Tarim Township, and Age Township. Geographic coordinates are between 40°46′ to 42°35′ north latitude and 82°35′ to 84°17′ east longitude, covering a protected area of 160,000 mu, with an annual yield of 156,800 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: The fruit has a smooth surface, appearing yellow-white or light orange. It has thick, fine flesh, abundant juice, minimal fiber, high sugar content, and a fragrant, honey-sweet taste. The kernels are plump, mildly sweet, and crisp. Just a small bite into a small white apricot, tasted gently with the tip of the tongue, releases its sweet aroma, with rich juice sliding into the body, nourishing the internal organs—an exquisite sensation hard to forget. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Kuqa Small White Apricots contain 21.5–25.4% soluble solids, are rich in minerals—including potassium at 445–483 mg/100g—and also include various vitamins such as reduced vitamin C at 5.5–7.3 mg/100g, vitamin B1 at 0.007–0.015 mg/100g, and vitamin B2 at 0.035–0.051 mg/100g. (3) Safety Requirements: The production and cultivation of Kuqa Small White Apricots comply with the standards of 《Pollution-Free Food – Apricots》(NY 5240-2004).