Tekes Apples

Tekes Apples

Tekes Apples are a product certified with a geographical indication.

　　Xinjiang’s Ili region has a long history of apple cultivation and is renowned as the “hometown of apples,” being one of the birthplaces of the world’s apple varieties, with a history of at least 2,000 years. Tekes County, known as the “World’s Largest Bagua City,” was awarded the “Guinness World Record” and is famed as the “Famous Bagua City,” boasting a unique environment. Tekes apples are widely sold in both domestic and international markets due to their commercial value and high nutritional content. Historical texts such as *Great Tang Records of the Western Regions*, *Guangzhi*, and the Tekes County Annals document the history of its apple cultivation and current industry status. The Tekes region features sloping land along river valleys and hillsides, with 2.4473 million mu of developable inversion zones. In terms of ecological conditions, the valley is rich in land resources, with a stable, unpolluted water supply that meets the water needs of apple trees. The dry air and abundant sunlight and heat are conducive to continuous photosynthesis in the apples. Additionally, the valley is rich in apple varieties and fruit tree resources, with local communities having a longstanding tradition of fruit tree cultivation. The unique inversion climate of Tekes County is highly suitable for developing the fruit and forestry industry. The apples produced here are vibrant in color, have fine and juicy flesh, are sweet in taste, and about 80% are market-quality fruits, offering a distinct competitive advantage. The native Apert apple variety is large, brightly colored, and smooth-surfaced. The popular “Red Fuji,” also known as “sugar-core,” is rich in nutrients, crisp, fragrant, and sweet in taste, making it especially favored by consumers.

　　The Tekes County Party Committee and County Government place great emphasis on the development of the specialty fruit industry. In accordance with the work arrangements of the prefectural Party committee and government, they firmly focus on the distinctive development of the fruit industry, treating it as a long-term mechanism for increasing the income and prosperity of farmers and herders.

　　By 2011, the developed area for the fruit industry reached 138,000 mu, with 21,000 mu of orchards bearing fruit. Total fruit output reached 42,600 tons, with an overall output value of 128 million yuan and a commercial fruit rate of 80%. The goal of 1.38 mu per capita was achieved.

　　Tekes County is a major apple-producing area in Ili, Xinjiang, and an ideal region for growing mid-to-early ripening apple varieties. The main cultivars include the Red series (such as Shouhong and Xinxinghong) and Jonagold. The products are exported to markets in Europe and Central Asia, earning the county the reputation of the “hometown of apples.”

　　Geographic Scope

　　Tekes apples are located within Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The area lies in the western part of the Tianshan Mountains, at the eastern end of the Tacheng-Zhaosu Basin, bordering Hejing County to the southeast, and adjacent to Gongliu County to the east and northeast. Geographic coordinates: 81°19'–82°37' east longitude, 42°22'–43°25' north latitude. The jurisdiction includes six townships, one horse farm, bordering Zhaosu to the west and Baicheng to the south. The protected area spans 4,700 hectares, with an annual apple production of 230,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Features: Uniform and bright color, clean and glossy surface. Red varieties are as vivid as coral or agate; green varieties show a slight red tint beneath a yellow hue. Each variety has its own distinctive natural fragrance. The flesh is fragrant, sweet, fresh, and crisp, delicious in taste. Sizes are medium to upper-grade and uniform, free from pests, diseases, and external damage. Larger fruits exceed 80 mm in size. The fruit can be transported over long distances and stored for extended periods, up to May of the following year. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Tekes apples have a high sugar content, with total sugar ranging from 8.5–13% per 100 grams, and contain calcium (38–42 mg/kg), phosphorus (28–30 mg/kg), iron (0.2–0.4 mg/kg), potassium (800–810 mg/kg), as well as vitamins B1, B2, and C, making them highly nutritious. (3) Safety Requirements: Tekes apples are strictly produced in accordance with the safety standards of *Pollution-Free Food Apples* (NY5011-2001).