Products - Apricots

Origin:

Turkey, South Africa & Argentina

Background:

Apricot cultivation can be dated to as far back as 3000 years ago in northeastern China. The Turks, Greeks and Romans introduced the fruit from Central Asia to Armenia, Anatolia and Europe. From Europe, cultivation spread to other parts of the world including South Africa and South America. Various countries and regions grow specific apricot cultivars. Turkey produces approximately 20% of world production, of which about 95% is dried. The province of Malatya in Turkey is home to the majority of the Turkish production; the “sweet” whole dried apricots which are unique in the world. South Africa and Argentina by contrast produce the Royal variety, or “tart” apricots, dried as halves.

Description:

Turkish dried apricots account for almost 85% of the world’s market in large part because of their mild, sweet taste. South African and Argentinean Royal variety offers a tarter, more distinct taste. Primarily used as a snack and in dried fruit assortments, apricots are increasingly finding new applications in a variety of bakery products, confectionery applications and new health/energy bars and products. This is a result not only of their appealing taste, but a nutritional profile which includes substantial amounts of potassium and vitamins A and C. Bedemco offers the most complete assortment of types and sizes of dried apricots on the market today processed to exacting quality specifications.

Harvest:

In Turkey, apricots ripen on the tree, and are harvested mid to late August. South African and Argentinean harvest is in the spring, with new crop availability of dried halves in early summer.

Types:

Sizes:

Turkish Whole Dried Apricots – size range from #1 (36 mm) to
#8 (20 mm or less)
Turkish Diced to customer specifications – range from 3-5 mm to 10-12 mm
South African/Argentinean Halves – Jumbo to Extra Choice

Packing:

Per customer specifications, bulk or retail
Standard Bulk Packing: Turkish Whole & Diced – net weight 28 lb. cartons
South African/Argentinean Halves – net weight 25 lb. cartons