Some say you won't truly grasp the vastness of the world or the breadth of China until you visit the northwest. Here, history, culture, ethnic groups, and faith converge. What culinary delights await on this land? Let's explore~.
01 Xinjiang Hotan Dates
Dates are one of Hotan's unique varieties, featuring a golden-yellow exterior and a soft texture with a subtle coconut aroma. They can be enjoyed fresh as fruit or processed into various pastries and desserts. Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, dates play a positive role in boosting physical strength and enhancing immunity.
Hailed as the most nutritionally complete dried fruit, dates contain natural fructose and trace elements essential for the human body. Rich in dietary fiber, consuming a few dates daily aids detoxification, making them the “perfect snack.”
02 Shaanxi Chili Oil
Chili oil is one of Shaanxi's renowned specialty foods. It is made by mixing ground Qin chili powder with peanuts, sesame seeds, and other aromatic seasonings, then pouring hot oil over the mixture and finishing with a splash of farmhouse vinegar to release its pungent aroma. High-quality oil-drizzled chili has a vivid color and a rich, spicy flavor, while inferior versions appear dull and lackluster with a faint aroma.
Oil-drizzled chili promotes blood circulation and enhances vascular elasticity, reducing the incidence of vascular hardening and helping prevent cardiovascular diseases.
03 Ningxia Goji Berries
Ningxia goji berries are one of Ningxia's specialties, renowned nationwide and counted among the region's Five Treasures. With a history spanning centuries, Ningxia goji berries are large, plump, and rich in nutrients. They rank among the top five must-buy souvenirs from Northwest China. Steeping a handful in water offers significant health benefits.
A distinctive feature of Ningxia goji berries is that when you grasp a handful and squeeze it tightly, the berries separate easily when released, with no sticking between individual berries.
04 Gansu Huaniu Apples
Gansu Huaniu apples stand alongside American Granny Smith and Japanese Fuji as one of the world's three premier apple brands, holding China's Geographical Indication certification. Fresh Huaniu apples boast a vibrant rose-like red hue, pronounced ridges, and a star-shaped base. Their smooth, symmetrical appearance evokes an elegant lady, making them irresistible at first glance.
Beyond their rich color, large size, small core, and natural fragrance, Huaniu apples offer a nuanced texture that evolves over time. Early harvests deliver crisp sweetness, while later ones develop a powdery texture—combining refreshing juiciness with a delightfully sweet, velvety finish.