French Apricots

Production area

Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Occitanie

In partnership with Fruit & Veg from France

Grown in France, mainly in the south-eastern regions, this summer fruit comes in many varieties, flavors, and textures. French apricots are recognized by quality and origin labels such as the Label Rouge and in the case of the “Rouge du Roussillon” variety native to the Languedoc-Roussillon region, a PDO.

What you need to know

A round shape, a groove in the middle, a deep yellow to red skin, fairly juicy and sweet flesh, and a stone in the center containing a bitter kernel. That’s the fruit of the apricot tree. Originating from Central Asia, where it grew in the wild over 5,000 years ago, this tree is popular in hot climates. Usually planted in spring or fall, it flowers in the summer. With a little pruning and weather permitting, beautiful fruits appear from the third or fourth year. These are usually harvested from mid-May to mid-August, depending on the variety. Some arrive early (Orangered, Tom Cot), others in season (Rouge du Roussillon, Kioto) and others appear late (Orangé de Provence, Bergarouge, Bergeron). There are many other differences in addition to seasonality. Particularly when it comes to the Rouge du Rousillon. In 2016, it was accorded a PDO which specifies an appellation area of just 100 communes of Roussillon, only four cultivated varieties, limited yields, well-ventilated orchards, harvesting by hand and careful sorting. Which all go to produce an exceptional fruit!

Characteristics

Look

Deep yellow to orange skin, with an even red surface (Orangered), small red spots (Rouge du Roussillon), or overlaid with dark red (Bergarouge).

Touch

Apricots should be soft to the touch.

Taste

The flesh of the French apricot is generally quite fragrant. The Orangered is particularly musky, the Rouge du Roussillon is delicate, the Orangé de Provence melts in the mouth and the Bergeron is more intense.

Nutritional benefits

Fresh apricots are naturally fat-free and rich in vitamin A.

Editor's note

« Although the stone containing the kernel is naturally bitter, it will gently enhance a compote, jam or coulis made from this summer fruit. »

How to use

Storing French Apricots

About 2 to 3 days, in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.

Preparing French Apricots

It’s a good idea to just wash apricots under cold water before cooking.

Serving French Apricots

Enjoy them just as they are, or make an unusual salad, with green beans for example. Apricots can also be cooked and used in pies, clafoutis, ice cream, compote, or jam, or grilled on the barbecue...

Pair with

Apricots go beautifully with oranges, peaches, lemons, almonds, rosemary, fresh cheese, or lamb. A glass of Muscat from Beaumes-de-Venise will do wonders.