Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "Tianshan Snow Sugar Fruit," marketed as a rare specialty from Xinjiang, has raised concerns as it is identified as a common apple subjected to artificial processing, highlighting ongoing fruit marketing scams in the market [1][5][8] Group 1: Product Identification and Marketing - "Tianshan Snow Sugar Fruit" is presented as a unique fruit from the Tianshan Mountains, with claims of high nutritional value and rarity [2][3] - The fruit resembles an apple but features a distinctive brown ring-shaped indentation at the bottom, which is emphasized by vendors to attract consumers [2][4] - Experts have confirmed that the fruit is likely a common apple variety, manipulated during its growth to create a unique appearance [6][7] Group 2: Consumer Experiences and Pricing - Consumers have reported purchasing "Tianshan Snow Sugar Fruit" at prices ranging from 28 to 120 yuan per pound, significantly higher than typical apple prices [4][3] - Many consumers expressed disappointment upon tasting the fruit, noting that it did not match the advertised sweetness and quality, leading to suspicions of deceptive marketing practices [3][4] Group 3: Industry Response and Consumer Awareness - Officials from the Xinjiang Agricultural and Rural Affairs Department stated they have no knowledge of "Tianshan Snow Sugar Fruit" as a recognized specialty [5] - The article draws parallels to previous fruit marketing scams, such as the "Cangwu Pear" and "Exploding Peach," urging consumers to be cautious of misleading claims and to prioritize quality and actual needs over marketing hype [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The article reveals a shocking scam involving artificially synthesized fruits, particularly focusing on "golden plums" and "Jaboticaba," which are misrepresented as fresh, exotic fruits but are actually processed products with added sugars and colors [1][3][4]. Group 1: Golden Plums - "Golden plums," also known as "golden fruits," are not fresh fruits but rather a type of candied fruit made from discarded small peaches or rotten plums, mixed with sugar and color additives [3]. - The selling price of golden plums ranges from 30 to over 60 yuan per pound, making them more expensive than cherries, yet they taste artificial due to the presence of industrial sweeteners [1][3]. Group 2: Jaboticaba - Jaboticaba, often sold under various names like "dragon fruit" or "tree grape," is frequently misrepresented, with many vendors selling ordinary grapes disguised as Jaboticaba [4][6]. - The genuine Jaboticaba is a tropical fruit that grows on the trunk of the tree and is known for its sweet flavor and nutritional benefits, including high vitamin C content [7][9]. Group 3: Other Misrepresented Fruits - Another example includes the so-called "golden sand fruit," which is actually a coconut that has been polished and painted red to appear as a unique fruit, misleading consumers [15]. - The article highlights the trend of vendors renaming fruits with "gold" in their titles to attract buyers, indicating a pattern of deception in the fruit market [15].