“`html
South African dried Fruit: Unrivaled Quality and Unique Delicacies
A Western Cape producer believes South Africa leads the world in dried fruit quality,especially their unique dried fruit sweets.
According to De Wet Burger of Kambrosig, a dried fruit producer in Wellington, Western Cape, South African dried fruit is the best globally.
South Africa is also known for dried fruit sweets, a distinctive delicacy that “Burger” hasn’t encountered elsewhere.
“When travelling abroad, I’ve never seen any dried fruit that I would consider buying,” Burger told Freshplaza.
“Being accustomed to the standard of dried fruit we produce in south Africa, both in terms of eating quality and appearance, I believe it is unrivalled in the world.”
Kambrosig emphasizes freshness, maintaining only a week’s worth of packed dried fruit and sweets.
“We keep the product as fresh as possible before sending it out to clients,” Burger noted.
“We keep the dried fruit in our cold room and package it weekly.Of the dried fruit sweets, we make a fresh batch every week.”
Kambrosig sources fruit from stone and pome fruit farmers. Most are sun-dried,while apples and peeled peaches are tunnel-dried.
What are the Most Popular Dried Fruits?
Dried prunes are the most in-demand. Though, dried apricots face supply issues.
Droughts in Laingsburg, Ladysmith, and Montagu have decimated apricot orchards. Increased export demand and drying costs also deter farmers.
“We have just sold out of our very last dried apricots,” Burger said. “I was talking to one of our supplying apricot farmers, and he said he was only able to supply his clients with 20% to 30% of their fresh apricot orders.”
Peach and pear supplies are more consistent. Bon Chretien (Williams) pears are preferred over Packhams for drying due to better sugar levels and less peel discoloration.
Granny Smith apples are favored for their white appearance when dried.
“Consumers buy with their eyes, which is why we don’t use Pink Lady for drying: its quality is good, but it’s a little bit more brown, more than South African consumers expect,” Burger added.
“Being
