Product Name: Chili Oil Apricot (Lajiaoyouxing)
Description:
Chili Oil Apricot is a premium early-season apricot variety originating from Xinjiang, China. It is named for its distinctive pepper-like shape, which sets it apart from any other apricot variety on the market. As an “oil apricot” type, it features smooth, hairless skin that ripens with an attractive red blush.
Appearance:
The fruit is elongated and pepper-shaped, highly recognizable and photogenic. Average weight is approximately 50 grams (1.8 oz). The skin is smooth and glossy, developing a warm golden-yellow color with a red blush at maturity.
Flavor:
Chili Oil Apricot delivers an exceptionally sweet flavor with a soluble solids content of over 23% Brix (up to 25%+ in optimal conditions). The flesh is juicy, aromatic, and completely free of astringency. The pit separates easily from the flesh (freestone), and the kernel is sweet and edible.
Key Commercial Advantages:
Unique Appearance – Pepper-shaped fruit creates strong visual appeal
High Sugar Content – 23%+ Brix for a pure, intense sweetness
Freestone & Sweet Kernel – Easy to eat with high edible rate
Self-Fertile – No pollinizer required
Early Season Market Window – Harvested in June, capturing early summer demand
Note for Growers:
This variety has shown some genetic instability in fruit shape – fruit may vary in shape from year to year. It is recommended to allow 2–3 years of observation after grafting for shape to stabilize. Best suited for specialty fruit production and home orchards where novelty and flavor are valued over uniform commercial sizing.
Harvest Season:
June – a premium early-summer specialty variety with strong market appeal.