A Turmush correspondent found out the current prices for dried apricots.
Since most residents of the region are engaged in agriculture and grow apricots, a large quantity of products is regularly available in the markets. Prices vary from one market to another, reflecting the labor of farmers. Currently, the cost has risen compared to previous weeks: some varieties reach 500 soms.
“The price for processed ‘kandek’ varies depending on quality and can reach 250 soms. The ‘bargek’ variety costs between 350 and 450 soms, and the most expensive specimen was sold for 410 soms. Black apricots range from 100 to 400 soms, and the most expensive one today went for 380 soms,” shared information by Batken resident Jumantai Tajibai uulu.
Unprocessed ‘kandek’ can be purchased starting from 150 soms. There is also ‘snickers’ for sale — this is unprocessed ‘bargek’, where the pit is cracked open and the kernel is placed inside; its price reaches up to 400 soms. Prices change every week, and at the moment they have slightly increased compared to the last market.
Buyers are generally intermediaries who send the products to Osh, Bishkek, and neighboring countries.
In the Batken region, apricot markets are located in two places: in the city of Batken and in the village of Kara-Bak.
Reference
“Bargek” is a dried apricot without a pit.
To prepare it, apricots are laid out, smoked, and covered with film for a day. After smoking, the fruits change color, then they are left in the sun to remove moisture. Next, the pit is extracted, and they are laid out again for drying.
‘Bargek’ should be dried for a week.
‘Kandak’ apricot is a variety of dried apricot with a pit, known as one of the sweetest in Tajikistan (the name translates to “sugar”). Small fruits are dried on the tree under the sun, have a natural brown or dark orange hue, and are beneficial for the heart due to their high potassium and vitamin content.
