Malatya City , Turkey has become a globally acclaimed place due to its top quality of dried apricots.
The Dried Apricots Factory - we operate here plays a crucial role in this region by making sure that the apricots of the highest quality are shipped to the markets all over the world.
Our processes, which range from harvesting to packaging, clearly show the loyalty to the rule of premium standards. In this blog, we find out about our production journey, putting our focus on the key steps that make us the top company in Dried Apricots Production.
Production begins in the orchards with apricots handpicked of the highest quality. The harvest takes place in August and is chosen by the careful consideration of ripeness, color, and texture. Handpicking ensures that apricots are undamaged and harvested at the right time, which is the best way to achieve success in the Dried Apricots Production.
After the apricots have been picked, they are taken in baskets to the local depots. At this point, the apricots get an initial smoking treatment with sulfur dioxide (SO2). This is the procedure which is necessary for the retention of the color of the apricots and the shelf-life extension of the apricots. Upon smoking, the apricots are put under the sun for a period of two to three days. The drying process is a natural one which is determined by the level of moisture and the temperature, and thus the fruit keeps its natural sweetness.
After the process of sun-drying, the prune apricots are detached from their seeds. The apricots that have already been pitted are then displayed for another three days of sun exposure.
This traditional sun-drying process is the only way to achieve the much-coveted Malatya apricots that have the special chewy texture and the unique taste.
As soon as the apricots hit the Dried Apricots Factory, they go through a thorough washing first. High-pressure fresh water is used to separate any substances from the outer layers of the apricots. The apricots are placed on a conveyor belt, thereby avoiding the possibility of washing uniformly.
The subsequent stage involves the workers cleaning the tables where the workers pick out all apricots. This is a key step maintaining procedures, as the staff is in charge of foreign materials' elimination. Each unit has a cleaning leader who makes sure that high standards are always upheld.
As for the second washing, apricots are washed again with soft brushes in the second cleaning process. This action gets rid of your last piece of dirt stuck in the machine, and now you have a ready-to-go apricot that is suitable for the next processing stage.
Sizing is a very important step of Dried Apricot Production . Pre-bagging, the apricots are actually sized in a shaker that is able to separate them based on their length from each grade ranging from the No.1 to No.8. Finally, the fruits are sorted into the baskets consisting of the sizes that have been strictly adhered to as well as one uniform-sized final product.
We mainly supplies two types of apricots: sulfured and naturally unsulfured.
The sulfured variety is treated with SO2 to preserve its vibrant color and prolong its shelf life. The natural, unsulfured one is dried in the sun without using any chemical treatments, thus getting a darker color and a sweeter taste. Both types are designed for different markets, one of which has its own specific requirements.
Sulfured Dried Apricots: The color of these apricots varies from bright yellow to orange, depending on the amount of SO2. For European countries, the SO2 content is kept below 2000 ppm, while for the USA and other regions, it is between 2500 and 3000 ppm.
Natural Unsulfured Dried Apricots: These dried apricots come in many colors ranging from light to dark brown. They sun-dry naturally for a day with NO SO2 treatment, producing a stronger taste.
One of the most important business functions is packaging. Therefore, Our Dried Apricots Factory provides private label packaging, standard options like 5 kg and 12.5 kg cartons. Nevertheless, we also offer specialized packaging solutions which are aimed at the individual needs of our customers. All products are scanned through a metal detector before final packaging, which guarantees safety and quality.
We are the largest producer of dried apricots in Malatya, Turkey, and we have a say in how the export business is done. Our products are available in markets across Europe, the USA, and beyond.
Our commitment to quality throughout the entire process, from start to finish, sets us apart from others. From the ancient practice of sun-drying to the strict quality checks, we make sure that each of our apricots is a true reflection of the Malatya's rich history.
Our factory in the perfect position in Malatya allows us to be close to the apricot sources around the world. The region's specific climate and soil conditions create apricots with a high dry matter content, which in turn makes them perfect for drying. Our production is more than 50% based on the natural method of sun-drying, which is why we keep the authentic taste and texture that the consumers are looking for.
In short, the Dried Apricots Factory owned by us is much more than a production unit. It is where tradition meets innovation, ensuring that every apricot we produce is of the highest quality. The entire process of Dried Apricots Production from harvesting to packaging is done with unwavering commitment to excellence, which is reflected in all the steps of the production. As we keep on expanding, we continue to hold the same dedication that we have always had to providing the best Dried Apricots to the world.