Roussillon red apricot

Abricots rouges du Roussillon

What it is

The appellation admits four varieties sharing one look, an orange ground speckled bright red: the old Rouge du Roussillon population and its clone A157, Aviéra, Avikandi and Royal Roussillon. Fruit is picked by hand at a set colour stage, must reach the packing station within 12 hours and be shipped within 6 days of picking. Small (35–55 mm), above 12° Brix and low in acid, they are supple and juicy rather than firm, which is why they bruise easily.

In the kitchen

Keep them out of the fridge and eat them within a day or two. For jam or a tart, add lemon juice: the low acidity that makes them taste sweet also leaves a jam flat and slow to set.

Goes with

Almond Vanilla Lavender honey Rosemary Butter Thyme Pistachio Lemon

Same species

Bergeron apricot Almond Almond flour Almond oil Amardine Amarena cherry in syrup

In season alongside

Prickly pear Jackfruit Nashi pear Tropea red onion Acacia honey Ajvar

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