Apricots “Afghan pitted”

Description

1. How it is grown and harvested: Uzbekistan is among the world’s largest producers of apricots, and apricot drying is a centuries-old tradition in the Fergana Valley, Samarkand and the foothill regions. Hot, dry summers with almost no rain during harvest allow the fruit to be dried naturally in the open air, and the large difference between day and night temperatures gives the fruit a high sugar content and a rich aroma. These apricots are produced from Afghan-type varieties grown in the warm, dry orchards of the region, where intense sunshine develops high natural sugar. The fruit is hand-picked when ripe, pitted and dried naturally in the sun, which concentrates its flavour and gives it a pleasantly firm, chewy texture. The hot, dry climate of the region is ideal for apricots: long sunny days give the fruit a high sugar content, while the low humidity allows natural sun-drying without spoilage. During drying, the fruit is turned regularly so that it dries evenly. Drying in the sun gives the fruit a concentrated apricot flavour with a pleasant, slightly tangy finish.

2. Processing and packaging details: After drying, the apricots are cleaned, washed, checked for stone fragments and defects, and sorted by size and colour. The product is packed in food-grade liners inside export cartons that protect it from moisture and contamination during long-distance transport. The product is offered in two calibres: Size 1 (large, select fruit) and Size 4 (smaller fruit, an economical choice for processing, baking and compotes). Store dried apricots in a cool, dry place (ideally 5–15 °C, relative humidity below 65%), away from direct sunlight. Cold storage helps preserve colour and softness for longer. Under proper conditions the product keeps its quality for 12 months or more. Each lot can be supplied with export documentation, including a phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin, on request.

3. Health benefits and nutrition: Afghan pitted apricots supply potassium, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium and dietary fibre, along with natural fruit sugars for energy, making them a nutritious everyday snack and cooking ingredient. Their firmer, chewy texture makes them a satisfying snack that keeps well in lunch boxes and on the go. They are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, and their natural sweetness can replace part of the sugar in baking and desserts. Sulphured versions, where supplied, contain sulphites. These apricots are a versatile, competitively priced option for retail, snacks, compotes, baking, cereal products and cooking, including traditional rice and meat dishes.

Typical values. Sun-dried, no added sugar or colourants. Contains sulphites.