Last week’s hot weather came at the perfect time for British stone fruit, giving them a sweetness boost, according to Waitrose.
As UK plums, apricots and cherries come into season the heatwave provided a welcome burst of sun, which promotes brix levels, as well as juiciness.
Waitrose apricots are grown in Rochester, Kent, with the supermarket offering a range of varieties from a new supplier this season, David Long.
The apricots will be a mix of Bergeval, Digat, Vertise, Congat and Anagat varieties, according to the supermarket, all of which have an orange colour with a thin skin. Waitrose reports that apricot sales have grown 31 per cent year on year.
Tim Stevens, stone fruit Buyer at Waitrose & Partners comments: ‘We are very excited to be working with David Long and his family run farm who have been able to provide British apricots to us this year.
“Apricots are a firm favourite with our customers and with the added British sunshine we think they will be some of the tastiest we have had. The are brilliantly versatile and work inpavlovas,ice creamsandcakes- you can alsomake them into deliciousjam.”
Waitrose will stock the British apricots for two pounds for 320g, with stock lasting around month.
