Apricots “Lemon 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. “Lemon” apricots are produced from light-coloured apricot varieties grown in the orchards of Uzbekistan. The fruit is hand-picked at maturity, pitted and dried under controlled conditions to keep its pale lemon-yellow colour. This variety has a lively, balanced flavour in which natural sweetness is lifted by a gentle tartness. Ripe fruit is picked by hand to avoid bruising and is pitted soon after harvest. Drying is carried out carefully to keep the pale colour and the light, fresh flavour that distinguishes this variety from deep-orange apricots.

2. Processing and packaging details: The dried fruit is cleaned, washed, checked for stone fragments and graded by size and colour for a uniform appearance. Where colour stabilisation by standard sulphur treatment is used, this is indicated on the label. The apricots are packed in food-grade liners inside export cartons to protect colour, softness and hygiene. 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: Lemon apricots provide potassium, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium and dietary fibre, along with natural fruit sugars for energy. Their fresh, tangy taste makes them a refreshing healthy snack. Sulphured versions contain sulphites. Their mild acidity also makes them a good match for savoury dishes and cheese, and their unusual colour attracts attention in mixed dried-fruit assortments. Like other dried apricots, they are naturally fat-free and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Their unusual light colour makes Lemon apricots attractive in dried-fruit assortments and gift boxes. They are also excellent in desserts, baking, salads, yoghurt and cereal toppings, and in savoury dishes with poultry or lamb.

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