Fig
These intensely sweet, fiber-rich treats are one of the oldest fruits in recorded history. Eaten fresh or dried, figs (wuhua guo, 无花果) have thin skin and soft, perfumed flesh. Widely grown in Xinjiang, Hunan and Jiangsu provinces, they’re incredibly delicate and have a short growing season. Choose plump ones with unblemished flesh.
Cape Gooseberry
These unique, bite-sized fruits are grown in mountainous regions of Northeast China. Sheathed in a paper lantern-like casing, cape gooseberry (guniang guo, 姑娘果) have a sweet/tart flavor reminiscent of pineapples and cream. They’re also rich in vitamin C and E and used in TCM to detoxify the blood. Choose ones with a near-translucent wrapping and bright orange color.