Fruits are not only delicious but also nutritious. In China, fruits are a staple food, and they are often used as snacks, desserts, or as a complement to a meal. With the vastness of China, there are many varieties of fruits that are grown locally, and each has a unique taste, history, and cultural significance.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the top ten commonly eaten fruits in China.
Top 10 Fruits in China Commonly Eaten
1. Lychee
Lychee is a tropical fruit native to China, with a sweet and floral taste that is often described as a cross between a grape and a watermelon. Its rough, red skin hides a juicy and delicate white flesh, making it a wonderful fruit for popular snack and dessert ingredient in China and around the world.
Local name: Lìzhī
Cultivating area: Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan
History: Lychee is one of the oldest fruits cultivated in China, with a history dating back to over 2000 years.
Popularity: It is a popular summer fruit in China, and it is often used in desserts and drinks.
Taste: Lychee has a sweet and juicy taste with a floral aroma.
How to eat: Peel off the skin and remove the seed, then eat the flesh.
Health benefits: Lychee is a good source of vitamin C, also a good source of potassium, and dietary fiber, which can boost the immune system, aid digestion, and regulate blood pressure.
Side effects: Overeating lychee may cause indigestion or diarrhea.
2. Mandarin Orange
Mandarin orange, also known as “tangerine,” is a small, sweet citrus fruit that is widely cultivated in China. It has a bright orange color and a thin, easy-to-peel skin, making it a popular snack and gift during the Chinese New Year.
Local name: Júzi
Cultivating area: Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian
History: Mandarin orange is a citrus fruit native to China, and it has been cultivated for over 3000 years.
Popularity: Mandarin oranges are often given as gifts during Chinese New Year, as they symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Taste: Mandarin oranges are sweet, juicy, and fragrant.
How to eat: Peel off the skin and separate the sections, then eat the flesh.
Health benefits: Mandarin oranges are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which can boost the immune system, protect against cancer, and aid digestion.
Side effects: Mandarin oranges may cause heartburn or acid reflux in some people.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the popular Chinese fruit and is a refreshing and juicy fruit that is enjoyed by many during the hot summer months in China. It is popular in China and other Asian countries. It has a thick, green rind and a bright red flesh that is packed with water and nutrients, making it a great way to stay hydrated and healthy.
Local name: Xīguā
Cultivating area: Xinjiang, Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Shandong
History: Watermelon is believed to have originated in Africa and was introduced to China during the Tang Dynasty.
Popularity: Watermelon is a popular summer fruit in China, and it is often used as a refreshing drink or dessert.
Taste: Watermelon is juicy and sweet, with a refreshing taste.
How to eat: Cut the watermelon into slices or cubes and eat the flesh.
Health benefits: Watermelon is high in water content, vitamin A and C, and lycopene, which can hydrate the body, protect against cancer, and improve heart health.
Side effects: Overeating watermelon may cause indigestion or diarrhea.
4. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also known as “pitaya,” is a vibrant and exotic fruit that is native to Central and South America but is now widely cultivated in China. This fruit is rich and popular in all over the world so China. Its bright pink skin and green scales hide a sweet and juicy white or red flesh, making it a popular ingredient in smoothies and salads.
Local name: Hóng zhī fáng huǒ lóng guǒ
Cultivating area: Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi
History: Dragon fruit is a cactus fruit that originated in Central America and was introduced to China in the 17th century.
Popularity: Dragon fruit is becoming increasingly popular in China, especially among health-conscious consumers.
Taste: Dragon fruit has a mild, sweet taste with a crunchy texture.
How to eat: Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
Health benefits: Dragon fruit is low in calories and high in vitamin C, high level of antioxidants, and fiber, which can help boost the immune system, aid digestion, and promote healthy skin.
Side effects: Eating too much dragon fruit may cause digestive discomfort.
5. Apple
Apples are a classic and beloved fruit that have been grown in China for thousands of years. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, with a sweet and crisp flesh that is perfect for snacking or baking.
Local name: Its Chinese name is Píngguǒ
Cultivating area: Shaanxi, Shandong, Henan, Gansu, Liaoning
History: Apples were introduced to China from the Western regions during the Han Dynasty.
Popularity: Apples are a popular fruit in China and are often eaten as a snack or used in cooking.
Taste: Apples have a sweet and slightly tart taste.
How to eat: Wash the apple and eat it with or without the skin.
Health benefits: This fruit is a good source of fiber, rich in antioxidants, and vitamins, which can promote heart health, aid digestion, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Side effects: Eating too many apples may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
6. Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit, also known as “Chinese gooseberry,” is a small, fuzzy fruit that is native to China but is now grown in many parts of the world. It has a tart and sweet flesh that is packed with vitamin C, making it a popular addition to fruit salads and desserts.
Local name: Qí yì guǒ
Cultivating area: Sichuan, Shaanxi, Shandong, Gansu, Henan
History: Kiwi fruit is native to China and was introduced to New Zealand in the early 20th century.
Popularity: Kiwi fruit is a popular fruit in China, and it is often used in salads and desserts.
Taste: Kiwi fruit has a sweet and tangy taste with a soft texture.
How to eat: Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
Health benefits: Kiwi fruit is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which can boost the immune system, aid digestion, and promote healthy skin.
Side effects: Eating too much kiwi fruit may cause mouth or throat irritation.
7. Peach
Peaches are a sweet and juicy fruit that are enjoyed in China during the late summer months. They have a soft, fuzzy skin and a yellow or white flesh that is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Local name: Táo
Cultivating area: Sichuan, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu
History: Peaches have been cultivated in China for over 2000 years.
Popularity: Peaches are a popular fruit in China, and they are often used in desserts and drinks.
Taste: Peaches have a sweet and juicy taste.
How to eat: Wash the peach and eat it with or without the skin.
Health benefits: Peaches are low in calories and high in vitamins and antioxidants, which can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.
Side effects: Eating too many peaches may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
8. Banana
Bananas are a common and versatile fruit that are enjoyed in many parts of the world, including China. They have a soft and sweet flesh that is rich in potassium and other essential nutrients, making them a great snack or ingredient in smoothies and desserts.
Local name: Xiāngjiāo
Cultivating area: Hainan, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi
History: Bananas have been grown in China for over 2000 years.
Popularity: Bananas are a popular fruit in China, and they are often used in cooking and baking.
Taste: Bananas have a sweet and creamy taste.
How to eat: Peel off the skin and eat the flesh.
Health benefits: Bananas are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can aid digestion, promote heart health, and boost the immune system.
Side effects: Eating too many bananas may cause constipation.
9. Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is widely cultivated in China and has a sweet and tangy taste that is perfect for snacking or cooking. It has a tough, spiky skin and a yellow or white flesh that is packed with vitamins and enzymes.
Local name: Fèng lì
Cultivating area: Hainan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian
History: Pineapple is believed to have originated in South America and was introduced to China in the 16th century.
Popularity: Pineapple is a popular fruit in China, and it is often used in desserts and drinks.
Taste: Pineapple has a sweet and tangy taste with a firm texture.
How to eat: Cut off the top and bottom, then slice off the skin and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
Health benefits: Pineapple is high in vitamin C, fiber, and enzymes, which can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.
Side effects: Eating too much pineapple may cause mouth or throat irritation.
10. Cherries
Cherries are a small and sweet fruit that are enjoyed during the early summer months in China. Along China, this fruit also a popular fruit in the world. They come in a variety of colors and flavors, with a juicy flesh that is perfect for snacking or baking.
Local Name: 樱桃 (yīng táo)
Cultivating Area: Cherries are widely grown in many parts of China, with major production areas in the north, including Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong provinces.
History: Cherries have been cultivated in China for centuries and have long been associated with good luck and prosperity. They were also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including insomnia, coughs, and arthritis.
Popularity: Cherries are a popular fruit in China, particularly during the early summer months when they are in season. They are often given as gifts during the Chinese New Year and are a common ingredient in desserts and pastries.
Taste: Cherries have a sweet and tart flavor with a firm and juicy texture. They come in a variety of colors and flavors, with some varieties being sweeter than others.
How to Eat: Cherries can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried. To eat fresh cherries, simply remove the stem and pit and enjoy. They can also be added to salads, smoothies, and desserts.
Health Benefits: Cherries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health. Some of the health benefits of cherries include:
- Rich in antioxidants that help protect against chronic diseases
- High in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut
- Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and pain
- May improve sleep quality and duration due to their melatonin content
Side Effects: While cherries are generally considered safe to eat, some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive issues. Additionally, the pits contain cyanide, which can be toxic in large amounts. It is important to avoid eating the pits and to supervise young children when eating cherries.
Chinese Fruits Eating Safety Tips For Foreign Travelers
While fruits are a great way to explore Chinese culture and cuisine, foreign travelers may need to exercise some caution to ensure their safety and health. Here are some tips to keep in mind when eating fruits in China:
- Wash fruits before eating: Rinse fruits thoroughly with clean water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Peel fruits before eating: Peel off the skin of fruits to reduce the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria or chemicals.
- Avoid street vendors: Although street vendors offer a wide variety of fruits, they may not adhere to hygiene and safety standards. Opt for fruits from trusted sources such as supermarkets or restaurants.
- Check for ripeness: Choose fruits that are ripe and fresh to reduce the risk of spoilage or contamination.
- Be aware of allergies: If you have any food allergies, be sure to check with the vendor or restaurant before consuming any fruits.
- Drink plenty of water: Eating fruits can be dehydrating, so make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: When eating fruits in public, be aware of your surroundings and avoid leaving fruit peels or seeds on the ground to prevent slips and falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, the skin of a dragon fruit is edible, but it may have a slightly bitter taste.
A: Look for a mango that is fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and has a reddish or yellowish skin color.
A: Yes, eating too much kiwi fruit may cause mouth or throat irritation due to its high acidity.
A: Apples should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Eat them fresh. They can also be stored in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness.
A: Yes, watermelon seeds are edible and can be roasted and eaten as a snack.
Conclusion
These above 10 fruits on this list are popular fruits that people eat in China. We all know that China is home to a diverse range of delicious and healthy fruits. From the exotic dragon fruit to the classic apple, there is a fruit for everyone’s taste and preference. These fruits not only provide a tasty snack but also offer numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin. So, the next time you’re in China, don’t forget to try some of the local fruits and enjoy their unique flavors and benefits.
