The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is known as the home of fruit. Some say that once you taste what's grown in Xinjiang, the same fruits produced elsewhere will seem tasteless. This is because the long sunlight hours and wide temperature differences between day and night make its varieties sweeter and juicier.

When and where to find quality fruits

The best season for fresh fruit is between July and September. Dried fruits will hit markets in September and October. Because of the region's dry weather, many fruits are dried naturally. Typical dried fruit from Xinjiang contains about 10 percent water, which means a longer shelf life.

(China Daily USA 09/15/2016 page5)