With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, fruit juice drinks have become an essential part of daily life, helping to quench thirst and provide essential nutrients. In recent years, the fruit juice processing industry in China has experienced rapid growth. The total production of fruit juice is approximately 1.5 million tons, with a per capita consumption of about 1.1 kg. However, this is still far below the global average of 10 kg. Due to the limited availability of raw materials for juice production, many processing plants operate at less than optimal capacity (around two-thirds), leading to high production costs, low profitability, and poor export performance. To boost the development of the export-oriented fruit and juice industry, it is crucial to explore and cultivate fruit varieties that are well-suited for juice production—especially wild, semi-wild, or cultivated small fruits and berries, which are rich in nutrients and easy to grow. These crops are being actively researched and promoted by local farmers, who see great potential in their economic and nutritional value. This article highlights several rare and high-value small fruits.
First, sea buckthorn. Also known as sour gooseberry, it is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the genus Hippophae. It is mainly grown in the Loess Plateau region (Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia) and high-altitude areas in Inner Mongolia and Qinghai. The fruit is oval-shaped and orange in color, with a very tart yet sweet flavor. It contains 5.4% to 12.5% soluble sugars, 1% to 2% organic acids, and weighs 40–80 grams per 100 grains. It ripens from August to September. Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins C, E, and A, as well as potassium and phosphorus, which are among the highest in fruits and vegetables. It also contains over 20 amino acids and more than 20 trace elements, making it an excellent beverage, food, and pharmaceutical raw material. Additionally, it can be used as a fruit tree and for ecological restoration, helping to prevent soil erosion in northern regions.
Second, the thorn pear. This is a member of the Rosaceae family and a deciduous shrub. It is primarily found in Guizhou’s unique climatic and ecological zones. The fruit is oblate and spherical, with a yellow or orange color, and weighs between 10–20 grams. It has a sweet and sour taste, containing sugars, organic acids, vitamins, and over 20 amino acids. Its vitamin C content peaks during the August–September harvest, making it ideal for premium beverages. It thrives in high-altitude mountainous areas such as Guizhou, where there is limited sunshine, cooler summers and autumns, warm winters, and small temperature fluctuations. It is also suitable for regions like Chongqing, southern Sichuan, southwestern Hunan, and northwestern Guangxi, which experience frequent rainfall.
Third, cherry plum. Also called wild plum or Chinese plum, it is a shrub or small tree native to the southern Yili area of Xinjiang, growing at altitudes between 800 and 2000 meters. The fruit resembles a cherry, with colors ranging from yellow to red or nearly black. It has a sugar content of 5%–7% and citric acid levels of 4%–7%, offering a concentrated sweet and sour flavor. It matures in August. Recently, a large-scale wild plum juice plant was established in Yili State, and the fruit can be cultivated in the northwest, northern China, and Liaoning, where winter temperatures rarely drop below -35°C.
Fourth, black currant. Also known as black bean, it is a shrub of the genus Ribes in the Saxifragaceae family. It is mainly produced in Kyrgyzstan, Liaoning, Gansu, and Inner Mongolia. Each fruit weighs 0.8–1.4 grams, with 7%–13% sugar and 1.8%–3.7% organic acid. It has an extremely high vitamin C content (98–417 mg per 100g fresh fruit), second only to kiwifruit and prickly pear. It is an important raw material for blackcurrant juice production. It ripens in late July and has been rapidly developed in the southern parts of Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is suitable for cultivation in areas where winter temperatures fall below -35°C.
Fifth, Vaccinium. This includes lingonberries and bilberries. The fruit is highly nutritious, with 400–700 mg of protein, 500–600 mg of fat, 80–100 international units of vitamin A, and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium per 100 grams of fresh fruit. It also contains special nutrients like niacin and flavonoids, offering antioxidant and health benefits. With its delicate texture, sweet and sour flavor, and pleasant aroma, it is ideal for juices, jams, fruit wines, and preserves. It is a highly valued health food product, selling for around $10/kg in the U.S. market. China's main producing areas are Heihe and Kyrgyzstan. Recently, improved varieties have been introduced from the U.S., adapted for southern cultivation. Common names include "blueberry" and "red bean," with different species growing in various regions, such as on moist slopes in Changbai Mountain and alpine areas.
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