In this section:
Apricots
Uses of apricot fruit include fresh, canned, dried, glace, juiced, jam, confectionary, fillings, distilled and fermented.
The kernels can be used or oils, perfumes, cosmetics, medicinal and consumption (sweet kernels).
Along the Murray River in South Australia is located one of Australia's major orchard and vineyard regions, known as the Riverland (see map).
Cool winters and hot dry summers make this district ideal for the production of consistent crops of high quality apricots.
This was recognised soon after settlement of the region which now accounts for more than 60% of Australian apricot production. Much of the fruit grown is dried. Much fruit is also produced for fresh consumption. Other apricot products from the region include nectar, preserved, glace, puree, jam and confectionary lines.
Apricots are grown at several other locations in South Australia, these include Mypolonga on the lower reaches of the Murray river and the Barossa Valley, a region renowned for producing quality wines.
About Apricots gives background information about the history of cultivation, the tree and the fruit.
Orchard Floor Management Options gives guidelines for management of the orchard floor (preserving soil structure and soil organic matter levels, weed control, irrigation and nutrition) to promote productivity.
Soil conditioning - information about various supplements (organic and chemical) and their application for soil conditioning to improve soil structure
Apricot maturity - judging the correct stage of maturity is vital in producing a top quality product - concentration of sugar in solution, drying ratios, assessing maturity - when best to pick
Preparation for harvest - brief checklist of important jobs that can be carried out well in advance of the drying season
Harvest strategies - growers should strive to harvest each tree as often as possible
Picking methods - hand picking, mechanical aids, limitations and advantages of each method
Harvest hygiene - good hygiene can greatly reduce losses to postharvest rots
Storage - storing apricots before drying is not recommended as fruit quality can only decline during this time.
Ripening - apricots must be harvested as ripe as practical for best quality and drying ratio
Grading involves the removal of fruit that is uneconomical to dry
Harvesting methods, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to machine cutting versus hand cutting
Cutting machines, basic components, site installation, operation and maintenance
