Kalabula Peaches

Kalabula Peaches

Kalabula Peaches are a product with a geographical indication for agricultural produce.

　　 "Kalabula," in Mongolian, means either "a lake area abundant with willows by the river" (another interpretation is "a black male camel"). The name originates from the willow-lined reed lakes to the north. Yelü Chucai recorded in his work "The Western Expedition Record": "There were eight or nine dependent towns and cities, abundant with grapes, peaches, pears, and other fruits." This indicates that peach trees were already cultivated during the golden age of Alimali City (now Ili). According to Huo Zongsheng, a retired fruit tree expert from Xinyuan Forestry and Fruit Bureau, peach cultivation in Xinyuan County has a history of 60–70 years. Prior to large-scale planting, locals only grew them in their own courtyards. In the early 1980s, taking advantage of the favorable conditions created by the natural inversion layer continental semi-arid climate and mountain microclimate characteristics of Kalabula Town (then Kalabula Township), the county began to promote large-scale peach tree cultivation in the town. The climate of Kalabula falls within the northern temperate continental semi-arid zone, featuring abundant sunlight and heat. The soil is sandy and yellow clay, producing peaches with excellent coloration, high sugar content, good commercial value, superior quality, and a unique flavor—making it an ideal place for peach cultivation. Kalabula peaches typically begin ripening around the end of July, with a fruit development period of 101 days. The fruits are vibrant and very large, with an average single fruit weight of 260 grams and a maximum of 650 grams, offering excellent commercial value. The shape is near round to short oval, with a round fruit apex, shallow sutures, and a moderate depth and width of the stem cavity. The peel is yellow at the base, with 80% of the surface covered in deep red. The skin is thick and not easy to peel. The flesh is yellow, and near the pit, it shares the same color without any red pigment. The texture is firm and melting, juicy, with a richly sweet flavor and a slight aroma. The pit is light brown, oval-shaped, and clings to the flesh. Peach fruits are highly nutritious, containing various vitamins, carotenes, minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as multiple amino acids that humans cannot synthesize, all contributing to significant nutritional and health benefits.

　　Kalabula Town is widely known as a “land of fruits,” producing renowned walnuts, honey peaches, Fuji apples, and others that are exported inland. To further enhance the market competitiveness of its specialty fruit industry, strengthen this leading sector, vigorously build and promote the origin brand of specialty fruits, reserve intangible assets, and secure a leading position in fruit sales, the town applied in June this year to register the “Kalabula” trademark based on local conditions. It also invested over 40,000 yuan to produce a batch of peach and apple boxes bearing the trademark design for trial sales packaging, thereby reinforcing the concept of premium quality, cultivating branded products, and increasing the visibility of Kalabula Town’s fruit products.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Kalabula Peaches are located in Kalabula Town, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Kalabula Town lies in the western part of Xinyuan County’s administrative region, approximately 55.5 kilometers east of Xinyuan County seat and 26 kilometers west of Gongliu County seat, commonly referred to as the western gateway of Xinyuan County. It neighbors Xiao’erbulake Town and Xinyuan Prison to the east, borders Xinyuan Horse Farm to the southeast, leans against the Jiaguer Mountain and neighbors Gongliu County to the south, faces the Tekes River and Gongliu County across the river to the west, connects to Gongnaisi Breeding Sheep Farm to the northwest, and reaches the Gongnaisi River to the north. The geographical indication protection area for Kalabula Peaches includes the lands under the current jurisdictions of Kalabula Village, Kuntuobie Village, Kaimai’awuzi Village, Keziletaile Village, Aketogan Village, Akeyi Village, Jiyeke Village, and Akeqi Village. The geographic coordinates are between 43°03′–43°40′ north latitude and 82°28′–84°56′ east longitude, at an elevation of 792–850 meters. The protected area for Kalabula Peaches covers 380 mu, with an annual total production of 429,400 kilograms.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: Kalabula peaches are relatively large, with an average single fruit weight of 260 grams and a maximum of 650 grams. The fruits are near round to short oval in shape, with a round fruit apex, shallow sutures, and a moderate depth and width of the stem cavity. The peel is yellow at the base, with 80% of the surface covered in deep red. The skin is thick and not easily peeled. The flesh is yellow, and near the pit, it shares the same color without any red pigment. The texture is firm and melting, juicy, with a richly sweet flavor and a slight aroma. The pit is light brown, oval-shaped, and clings to the flesh. Peach fruits are highly nutritious, rich in various vitamins, carotenes, minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as multiple amino acids that humans cannot synthesize, offering significant nutritional and health benefits. The flesh is delicate and soft, making it easy to digest when eaten fresh, suitable for all ages. They can also be processed into canned goods, preserves, dried fruits, juices, beverages, etc., greatly enriching people's food options. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Kalabula peaches contain 18 types of amino acids beneficial to human nutrition and health, along with various trace elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, and magnesium. They have 9–13% soluble solids, vitamin C content of 8–12 (mg/100g), and total acid ≤2 (mg/10g). Peaches also offer medicinal and health benefits; ancient medical texts record that peaches help strengthen the body and boost vitality. Regular consumption can moisturize the skin, improve complexion, and contribute to fitness and beauty. (3) Safety Requirements: Product quality and safety comply with the standards of NY5112-2005 "Pollution-Free Food – Deciduous Stone Fruits."