Apricot Kernels from Chaoyang Mountain

Last updated 2026-11-09 — Chaoyang City in Liaoning Province, known as the “Ancient Dragon City and Capital of the Three Yans,” is one of China’s major production areas for the specialty product—apricot kernels. It is ranked among the four major apricot kernel production bases along with Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and Tangshan in Hebei Province. Most apricot trees in Chaoyang grow in natural forests, though in recent years, cultivated plantations have been expanding. There are two types of apricot kernels: sweet and bitter. These kernels are highly nutritious, rich in protein, fat, sugar, as well as phosphorus, calcium, and iron. They can be processed into nourishing delicacies such as almond paste and almond tea. They can also be refined into industrial oil or used for medicinal purposes. Apricot kernels are also one of the key ingredients in the famous Jinzhou pickles. The pits can be used to extract tannin or activated carbon, with the latter serving as a raw material for papermaking and high-grade fiberboard production.