There are plenty, yet apricots are getting more expensive in Hungary

No significant frost damage. As in 2021, 26 thousand tonnes of apricots are expected to be harvested domestically this year. This is not a record harvest, but it is a reasonable quantity. Even though there is enough fruit, prices are rising.

Good harvest

Hungary is the northernmost apricot producer in the European Union. A total of 5,300 hectares of this popular fruit are under cultivation in Hungary. However, it is not only the size of the area under cultivation that influences the yield, but also the spring weather, especially frost.

In 2022 there was no significant frost damage, so 26,000 tonnes of apricots are expected. According to Balázs Győrffy, President of the National Chamber of Agriculture (NAK), this is not a record quantity, but it is not bad either.

Hungarian varieties

There are several varieties of Hungarian origin. The best known are Gönci, Mandulakajszi and Ceglédi Giant. In Hungary, apricot breeding has a history of more than 70 years, napi.hu reports.

“In fact, the Tordas variety testing station, where nearly 350 apricot varieties are maintained, is a kind of national treasure. The results of these trials could provide real and useful information for the future for the domestic apricot growers, for example on the appropriate use of the variety,” says Győrffy.

On the market, the price of first-quality peaches ranges from HUF 6-700 (EUR 1.6) at markets to HUF 900-1500 (EUR 2,2- 3,7) in shops.

Apricots are a warm-hardy fruit that does not survive much further north of Hungary. Its 4-7 m long tree requires a lot of light but can live up to 90 years. It has a high vitamin content, especially vitamins A, B and C. It is also high in fibre and low in calories.

It can be used as a juice, drink, side dish, jar or jam.

Source: napi.hu