The export of apricots from South Africa includes a wide range of high-quality varieties, each catering to different tastes and preferences. The apricot export industry in South Africa adheres to strict health and safety regulations, ensuring that only the best-quality apricots reach international markets. Here are some of the key apricot varieties exported from South Africa:
1. Aprium - This variety is medium to large in size, with a clear yellow skin and a plum-like taste. Known for its late harvest, Aprium apricots are perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweetness and tartness. The fruit is great for both fresh consumption and processing.
2. August Glo - This medium-sized apricot is known for its great sweet-tart flavor. It also has a late harvest period, making it a popular choice for both fresh market sales and processing into preserves, jams, or juices.
3. Autumn Royal - Similar to the Blenheim variety, the Autumn Royal apricot is medium-sized with yellow skin and a slight orange blush. It has a slightly acidic taste, making it suitable for fresh consumption, canning, and drying.
4. Blenheim - Known as the classic California apricot, this variety has thick yellow-orange flesh and is very juicy with a sweet, aromatic flavor. Blenheim apricots are ready for early to midseason harvest, making them a great choice for early summer markets.
5. Mormon Mormon apricots are small in size with orange skin and red blush. These apricots have smooth, firm flesh and a sweet, juicy taste. They are perfect for midseason to late harvest, making them ideal for fresh eating or processing.
6. Earligold This medium-sized variety is known for its golden yellow skin and rich, juicy flesh. The Earligold apricot is popular for canning and is also enjoyed fresh. Itâ's typically harvested early in the season, making it a favorite for those looking for an early apricot variety.
7. Floragold A small to medium-sized apricot, Floragold has yellow skin and flesh. It is typically harvested in the mid-season and is a great export option due to its sweet flavor and smooth texture.
8. Garden Annie Known for its bright yellow skin, Garden Annie apricots are medium to large in size with clingstone, firm flesh. They are juicy, and the early harvest makes them ideal for fresh consumption.
9. Goldcot This medium to large-sized apricot has bright golden skin and thick orange flesh. The firm fruit has a sprightly-sweet flavor and is commonly used for processing, canning, or eating fresh.
10. Moorpark A large apricot with a juicy, aromatic flavor, Moorpark apricots have brownish-red skin with spots and yellow to orange flesh. This variety is ready for midseason harvest, making it a popular choice for fresh markets.
11. Riland Riland apricots are medium in size with a nearly round shape and are covered with fine velvety hairs. They have light yellow skin with a deep red blush, and their firm, meaty flesh makes them perfect for both fresh consumption and processing.
