Previously, the residents of Batken processed apricots, producing dried fruits from the flesh, flour, cookies, and oil from the pits, but now they have also started using the flowers of the tree. In the village of Orto-Boz, young women have set up production of tea made from apricot blossoms.
According to Orto-Boz resident Ashirgul Davbekova, they have been preparing the tea for two months. “Last year, a Japanese researcher studying apricots in our area happened to meet me and suggested this idea. She took apricot flowers from here, conducted a year-long study, and then shared the recipe with us. We agreed and started working. The composition includes not only apricot flowers — there are mixtures: two types of rose hips, two types of apricot flowers, and other additives. We collect the flowers in early spring — when they are not fully opened yet. Fully opened, unopened buds, and fallen flowers are not suitable. We use a special variety of apricot that is not suitable for drying the fruits. This year we collected enough to last for a year. We dry them in the sun, then weigh and package them,” the resident said.
According to Davbekova, this tea can be consumed both as a medicinal drink and as an everyday beverage. “In terms of healing properties: the flowers retain the same vitamins and trace elements as the apricot itself. It is beneficial for the heart and blood vessels — apricot has long been considered a heart remedy. Currently, five to six local women are working with us. We have all the necessary equipment — dryers, storage facilities. In the future, we plan to dry the fruits, and we are also considering cracking the pits and packaging the kernels. We have many plans — if there are interested parties, our group will grow,” said the resident of Orto-Boz.
