Perfect for wining and dining

Near Shangwang village along the Qinling Mountain, Xi'an Grape Research Institute attracts hordes of customers every day with its special grape, called "Hutai No 8".

Dark purple in color and more than 2 cm in diameter, the grape has a strong honey-like flavor that makes ordinary grapes taste like water. Refrigerator storage enhances this flavor.

Various wines are also on offer, and the ice wine made around January is particularly popular.

Near Duling, the mausoleum of Emperor Xuandi (91-49 BC) of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), farmers offer "milkmelons" - melons the size of American footballs that have a milky flavor because milk has been sprayed on its leaves and fruit.

Xi'an was China's capital for a dozen dynasties spanning more than 1,000 years. Part of the reason was its geographical advantages: Located in the center of the country, the area is endowed with fertile land and ample water.

Xi'an has developed its unique cuisine because of the rich variety of farm produce. But it will still take time before the wonderful fruits can reach the rest of the country.

Liu Jun

(China Daily 01/01/2010 page10)