Apricot

The apricot is one of the finest dried fruits. The origin of this magnificent product is shrouded in the shadows of the distant past, but is probably Asia. Malatya, Turkey, is located about 1200 kilometres inland, towards Georgia, Armenia and Syria, and the apricots grow in this region. It is a fascinating backwater area through which the river Euphrates meanders. Of course, there are more countries where this precious fruit grows. In Iran, for instance, while Afghanistan is also trying to get to the market. The Iranian Gheyssi apricots have the same golden colour, perhaps slightly lighter, and have a delicious sweet and sour flavour. Turkey, however, is the undeniable world leader.