In China, apples are undoubtedly an extremely common fruit, especially in northern provinces such as Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Hebei, Xinjiang, Liaoning and other places, where apple cultivation has become a major local feature. In contrast, southern provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan have very little apple cultivation due to climatic conditions. However, even in these non-apple-producing regions, apples are still widely available in the market and are sold throughout the year, showing their popularity throughout the country.
But interestingly, despite the ubiquity of apples in the southern market, southerners generally don't like apples very much. Many southerners say they rarely buy or eat apples for a variety of reasons: some find it too cumbersome to peel apples, some think apples are too big to be eaten all at once, and still others are not satisfied with the taste of apples and find them less appealing than other fruits.
Although southerners have little interest in eating apples, apples still have a place in the fruit market in the South. The reason behind this is mainly related to Apple's other uses. In Guangdong and other places, apples are often used as gifts for visiting the sick, giving gifts or worshipping gods and ancestors. Apples symbolize peace and health in Chinese culture, making them a great choice for gifts and sacrifices. In addition, the shelf-stable nature of apples also makes them ideal for long-term offerings.
So, why are apples generally disliked by southerners, is it because the quality of apples has changed during transportation, or is it because the varieties of apples sold in the southern market are not the most popular? It may also be that differences in culture and eating habits have contributed to the different attitudes of southerners towards apples.
Overall, although apples are not the most popular fruit in southern China, their importance in ceremonial and cultural events cannot be overlooked. This unique consumption phenomenon reflects the differences and diversity of food culture between different regions of China.