Apricots

Prunus armeniaca L.

Description

Dried apricots are fully matured fruits of apricot tree which have been naturally sun dried or dehydrated in special ovens similar to prunes. Despite misleading name armeniaca apricots are originated from northeast China. This is low-medium tree with about 3-4 cm wide, yellow to orange fruits. After drying, on purpose to preserve and obtain light yellow-orange color, apricots are bleached with sulfur dioxide.

 Harvest time

These are harvested two or three times in late July and August.

Growing area

Afghanistan, France, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Pakistan, Spain, Syria, Turkey, USA

Uses

Apricots are used natural, dried, preserved and canned. Since dried fruits can be easily rehydrated they are widely applied in bakery, confectionery and meat industries.