Apricot

Dried apricot exports from Malatya, which was among the several provinces affected by the powerful earthquakes that hit Türkiye's south in early February, increased by 2 tons in the January-April period from a year ago.

Malatya accounts for 85 percent of the apricot production in the world.

Apricot gardens in Turkey's eastern Malatya province are astonishing onlookers with their spectacular views during the autumn season. (AA Photo)

Turkey is the world's number one producer of hazelnuts, cherries, figs, apricots, quinces, and poppies, according to official Agriculture and Forestry Ministry data.

Turkey has reaped the largest agricultural income in the EU for the last decade, and is among the top countries in the world, said the data, as analyzed by Anadolu Agency.

Blooming apricot gardens in Turkey's eastern Iğdır province draw the attention of onlookers with their spectacular views during the spring season. (AA Photo)

Turkey exported 65,620 tons of dried apricots, produced in the eastern Malatya province, to 105 countries in the last eight months.

A $216 million revenue was generated from the exports of dried apricots which will contribute to both the country's economy and producers, said Ramazan Özcan, the head of the Malatya Commodity Exchange.

The eastern province of Malatya is set this weekend to treat tourists with the visual feast of blossoming fruit during its three-day Apricot Flower Festival.

The beauty of flowering Malatya apricot orchards, which have earned a coveted EU geographical indication, will be spotlighted by the festival, which started on March 19.

Snow-covered apricot gardens in Turkey's eastern province of Iğdır are attracting onlookers with their striking views during the ongoing winter season. (AA Photo)

Once upon a time, the town of Melita was famous for its legendary fruit orchards. Even the name of Melita sounds delicious. This is the old name for Malatya, the unrivaled capital of apricots in Turkey, and the world in a way. The city produces 90 percent of all dried apricots exported from Turkey, which sums up to almost 80,000 tons worth $290.7 million.

After a three-year wait, Turkey's famous home-grown apricot has earned a coveted EU geographical indication, boosting hopes of bolstering the fruit's export and marketing.

According to a statement on July 7 from the Customs and Trade Ministry, apricots produced in the eastern province of Malatya became the second Turkish product to get the EU designation after the Aegean fig.

Almond blossoms are among the first to prelude the joyous spirit of spring in the air. Following the almond blossoms, plum trees burst into full bloom, soon to be followed by the adorable cherry flowers. Apricot, peach and quince trees soon join the rite of spring with all blossoms culminating in a sweet-scented visual symphony.