Apricots of the Val Venosta valley

Nowhere else in South Tyrol do apricots thrive better than in the Val Venosta valley. The tropical fruit prefers a warm climate, loves the sun but only little rain and plenty of wind. The soil should be loose. Facts that fit almost exactly the climate in the valley in the western part of South Tyrol.

The apricot (Prunus armeniaca) belongs to the rose family and was already known in Armenia in ancient times. Alexander the Great brought apricots to Europe, first to Greece and then to Italy. In China the apricot is still a symbol for a young girl but also for the desire for children. The taste of the fruit, which is harvested from mid-July until August, is sweet-sour. The fruit is ripe, when it has a deep yellow, orange colour. Apricots contain a lot of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which is responsible for good vision, healthy skin and resistance to infections.

The Val Venosta apricots can be found especially in the area around Lasa. There is no better variety for recipes like the famous sweet apricot dumplings or apricot jam!