Since diplomat and imperial envoy Zhang Qian's expedition westwards more than two thousand years ago, a path connecting China and the outside world has come into being. The path, known as the Silk Road, has brought about economic and cultural exchanges in China and abroad, as well as a variety of new foreign produce to foodies across the nation. As the result, new fruits and vegetables have appeared on dinning-tables ever since.

Here are a few:

A woman holds a box of grapes in Hebei province on May 8. [Photo/Xinhua]

1. Grape

Originating in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, the grape entered China from Dayuan, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). Dayuan was an ancient country in Ferghana valley in central Asia, which was famous for grapes, alfalfa, and ferghana horses.

An Afghan man sells pomegranates along a street in Kabul, Afghanistan October 19, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

2. Pomegranate

The pomegranate originated in the region of modern-day Iran, and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region and northern India. The fruit was introduced to China during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), and was considered an emblem of fertility and numerous progeny.

Walnuts. [Photo/Xinhua]

3. Walnut

Brought back by Zhang, the walnut is also known as the longevity fruit. It can warm and invigorate the body, and often serves as a key ingredient in Chinese pastries.

Garlic. [Photo/VCG]

4. Garlic

Garlic is native to the region of southern Europe and central Asia. During the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), Zhang introduced the species in the onion genus, Allium, to China. During ancient times in China, foreign tribes were referred to as "Hu troops", so garlic was originally referred to as "Hu garlic".

Coriander. [Photo/VCG]

5. Coriander

Coriander, known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is native to the regions spanning from southern Europe to central Asia. Zhang brought the seeds of coriander into China, according to The Compendium of Materia Medica, an ancient Chinese book on herbology, which was written during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) by Doctor Li Shizhen.

Cucumber. [Photo/VCG]

6. Cucumber

Cucumber is originally from South Asia, on the southern foot of the Qomolangma Mountain. However, in Zhang's time, the cucumber was known as the "Hu melon".

Alfalfa. [Photo/Weibo account of People's Daily]

7. Alfalfa

The alfalfa, also called lucerne, is an important forage crop in many countries around the world. According to the Records of the Grand Historian, by historian Sima Qian of the Han Dynasty, alfalfa was introduced into China from Dayuan following Zhang Qian's embassy.

Eggplant. [Photo/VCG]

8. Eggplant

Eggplant, originally domesticated in India and Southeast Asia, was brought into China during the Han Dynasty, and became a common vegetable in the Jin Dynasty (AD 265-420).

Sesame. [File photo]

9. Sesame

Sesame, introduced into China by Zhang, has many species, with most being wild and native to sub-Saharan Africa. Sesame indicum, the cultivated type which is edible, was originated in India.

Hyacinth bean. [File photo]

10. Hyacinth bean

The hyacinth bean was originally grown in India, and brought into China between the Han and Jin dynasties.