Zerdali (Wild Apricot)

What Is a Wild Apricot?

Zerdali (wild apricot) is the name for the ungrafted, wild or seed-grown form of the apricot species (Prunus armeniaca). Botanically, it is the same species as cultivated apricot; the difference comes from how it is grown.

Compared with cultivated apricots, it is smaller, firmer, and more tart-sweet. It is common on trees that grow from seed on their own in many parts of Anatolia.

Wild Apricot Nutrition

Because wild apricot is botanically the same species as apricot, general apricot nutrition values can be used as an approximate reference: 100 g of raw apricot contains about 48 kcal, 11 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber, and a notable amount of vitamin A. No separate measurement specific to wild apricot is available.

What Are the Benefits of Wild Apricots?

With its vitamin A and C content, wild apricot can be included as part of a balanced diet. Its dried form is more concentrated in potassium and fiber.

This information is general; wild apricot is a food, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Wild Apricots

When choosing fresh wild apricots, look for fruit that has turned yellow-orange and softened slightly, without bruises.

• Greenish, firm fruit is not yet ripe and is distinctly tart.
• The skin should have no rotten spots or insect holes.
• When buying dried fruit, choose a natural dark-orange color; an overly bright yellow color is a sign of sulfur treatment.

How to Store Wild Apricots

Fresh wild apricots can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days; because they soften quickly, using them soon is recommended. For longer storage, dry them in the sun to make dried wild apricots, or mash and spread them to make fruit leather.

Using Wild Apricots in the Kitchen

Wild apricots can be eaten fresh, but they are most commonly dried or made into fruit leather. They are also used to make jam and compote.

How to Make Dried Wild Apricots

Remove the pits from ripe wild apricots, cut them in half, and dry them in the sun for a few days. Eat the dried fruit as a snack or use it in recipes such as desserts and pilaf.

How to Make Wild Apricot Fruit Leather

Mash ripe wild apricots into a puree; spread it in a thin layer on cloth and dry it in the sun. Roll up the resulting fruit leather for storage and eat it as a snack.

What Recipes Use Wild Apricots?

Dried wild apricots, wild apricot fruit leather, wild apricot jam, and wild apricot compote are among the best-known uses; they are also used in some regional pilaf recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between wild and cultivated apricots?

Botanically, they are the same species (Prunus armeniaca); wild apricot refers to the seed-grown, ungrafted or wild form and is generally smaller and more tart than cultivated apricot.

Can you eat wild apricot kernels?

In some regions, the kernel inside the wild apricot pit is roasted and eaten; however, raw apricot kernels may contain amygdalin, so eating them in large amounts is not recommended.

Where do wild apricots grow?

They are found on trees that grow from seed on their own in many parts of Anatolia, especially Eastern and Central Anatolia.

How do you store dried wild apricots?

Dried wild apricots can be kept without spoiling for months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

When do wild apricots ripen?

They generally ripen in June–July, around the same time as cultivated apricots.