Fruits of the Silk Road

The city of Turpan is an oasis in the Gobi desert. It's elevation, which is below sea level, makes it the lowest spot in all of China. It is famous for it's vineyards and particularly the elongated 'mare's nipple grapes,' which Kalila and I are enjoying in this photo. The Uighurs of western China introduced the Chinese to this delicacy as well as the recipe for making grape wine. Many hybrid varieties of fruits emerged along the Silk Road as produce was dispersed by merchants who made use of a trade network stretching from Xi'an (Chang'an) to the Mediterranean Sea.