Apricots “Natural pitted” (size 4)

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 grown in the orchards of Uzbekistan’s sunny valleys and hand-picked at full ripeness. After the stones are removed, the fruit is dried naturally in the sun without sulphur treatment. Because no colour stabiliser is used, the apricots gradually darken during drying to a natural amber, brown or dark-orange shade — the true colour of sun-dried fruit — while their sugars caramelise and their flavour becomes deeper and more concentrated. Natural drying under the Central Asian sun takes several days, during which the fruit is turned regularly to dry evenly on all sides. The result is a dried apricot that tastes like ripe fruit concentrated by the sun, with notes of honey and caramel.

2. Processing and packaging details: The dried apricots are cleaned, washed, checked for stone fragments and defects, and graded into Size 1 and Size 4 calibres. No preservatives or chemical colour treatments are added. The product is packed in food-grade liners inside export cartons to maintain freshness, softness and hygiene during storage and long-distance transport. 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: Natural apricots offer all the nutritional benefits of dried apricots — potassium, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium and dietary fibre — without added sulphites, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers, children and people who avoid sulphites. Their natural sugars provide steady energy. Because no sulphites or preservatives are used, the fruit’s flavour is often described as deeper and more “fruity” than that of bright orange sulphured apricots, and it is a good choice for people with sensitive digestion or allergies to sulphites. Natural apricots are in high demand in organic and health-food retail, baby and children’s food, and natural snack brands. They are delicious on their own and in porridge, granola, smoothies, baking, compotes and savoury dishes.

Typical values. Sun-dried without sulphites, no added sugar or colourants.