Apricots “Confectionery 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. Confectionery-grade apricots are grown in Uzbekistan’s sunny orchards, hand-picked at full ripeness, pitted and dried naturally. Lots for this grade are selected for soft, pliable flesh and a good natural sweetness, the key qualities confectioners need when coating, stuffing or cutting dried fruit. Ripe fruit is harvested by hand, which helps avoid bruising and keeps the flesh intact. During drying, the fruit is turned regularly so that it dries evenly and keeps a soft, workable texture that holds its shape when it is coated or stuffed.

2. Processing and packaging details: The fruit is cleaned, washed and carefully checked for stone fragments and defects. It is sorted for texture and consistency to make it easy to process on production lines. The apricots are packed in food-grade liners inside export cartons that keep them soft and protected from moisture until use. 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: These apricots provide potassium, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium and dietary fibre, together with natural fruit sugars, giving confectionery products a wholesome, fruit-based ingredient instead of artificial flavourings. Combined with nuts or dark chocolate, dried apricots make confectionery that customers see as more natural and nourishing than ordinary sweets. Their bright colour and soft texture make the finished product look attractive, and their natural sweetness reduces the need for added sugar. Sulphured versions contain sulphites, which must be shown on the label of the finished product. Ideal for chocolate-coated apricots, stuffed apricots with nuts, candied fruit, oriental sweets, cakes, tarts and bakery fillings, as well as for chopping into confectionery and dessert mixes.

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