Where is Shaanxi apple produced? Introduction to the main production areas
Shaanxi apples are produced in the northern Shaanxi and northern Guanzhong regions of Shaanxi Province, mainly in Luochuan, Baishui, Xunyi and other counties. Northern Shaanxi and northern Guanzhong are suitable habitats for apples, and the apples produced there are of particularly good quality.
Characteristics of Shaanxi apples
1. Brilliant color
Color is one of the important indicators of the appearance characteristics and commercial value of apples. The color characteristics of Shaanxi apples are concentrated in early coloring, easy coloring, vivid color, and a large colored area. Under natural cultivation conditions, the coloring index of Red Fuji, the main apple variety grown in Shaanxi, is above 80%, that of Qinguan is above 85%, and that of Gala is above 70%. In the market, consumers can generally recognize Shaanxi apples simply by looking at their color.
2. Thick wax layer
The wax layer is an important component of the health benefits and storage and transportation performance of apples. The thick wax layer of Shaanxi apples is concentrated in a thick skin, a smooth and rust-free fruit surface, and high pectin content. According to measurements, the cuticle thickness of Luochuan Red Fuji apples in Shaanxi reaches 20.5 micrometers, significantly higher than that of apples from other main production areas.
3. Rich flavor
Flavor is one of the most important indicators of the internal quality and eating quality of apples. The flavor characteristics of Shaanxi apples are prominently shown in high sugar content, crisp flesh, strong aroma, and rich nutrition. According to measurements of Red Fuji from Luochuan County, a representative production area of Shaanxi apples, the soluble solids content is 16.5%, the VC content is 4.2 mg/kg, and the total acid content is 0.21%; these indicators are all higher than the national fresh apple GB1051—89 standard.
4. Resistant to storage and transportation
Storage and transportation performance is a requirement for apples to achieve seasonal production and year-round sales, extend shelf life, open up international markets, and increase added value. Shaanxi apples have thick skin, abundant wax on the fruit surface, dense fruit, high hardness, and high soluble solids content, thus forming the storage-resistant characteristics of Shaanxi apples. According to measurements, the hardness of Luochuan Red Fuji apples in Shaanxi at harvest is 9.7 kg/sq cm, and after 5 months of storage it is 7.3 kg/sq cm, significantly higher than that of apples produced in other regions.