Apricot Farm

I had a chance to tour a local apricot farm a few weeks ago that I didn't even know existed if someone did not tell me.
Well, the farm has been there for almost 60 years. Shows how much I know.
During apricot season, only 3 weeks long, volunteers were seen here cutting and pitting the fruit to get it ready for drying.
Yes, there is a high demand for dried apricot. In fact, my friend, commented to me that they are sold out so fast each year that she had to put in her order in advance.

After adding sugar and sulfur to the cut apricots, they are then cooked for 4-5 hours. Here are some that are just done.
See the tracks at the bottom.

Kelly, in the white t-shirt, is the owner of the Silva Ranch which he took over from his parents.
The tracks make it easier for workers to bring the apricots to the cooker and then roll them back down for the drying process.


Each tray is then carried from the tracks.

And, placed in the open air for drying for 4 to 5 days.
No, I didn't order any dried apricots, but I did buy some fresh ones and they were delicious!

Have a nice weekend!

- Karen