Apricot

Armenians are proud of having this sweet and delicious fruit as one of the symbols of their country. Apricot (known as tsiran in Armenia) has its own place in Armenian culture. There are many literature, dramaturgy and music compositions about this fruit. Apricot is an important attribute of Armenia’s gastro tourism. Both tourists and Armenians all over the world come to taste it every year. Armenia even presented in Eurovision song contest a song called “Apricot stone” by Eva Rivas in 2010.

About the apricot

This delicious fruit is healthy even for those who suffer from an overweight. In 100 grams of it helps blood formation and has over 42 kcal. Actually, this fruit is very nutritious. It contains, for example, provitamin A and В, С, Н, Е, Р groups, iron, silver, Magnum, phosphorus etc․

Using apricot systematically protects us thyroid gland cancer. “Tsiran”, containing pectin, helps toxins and cholesterol get out from the body. Helps us be energized and fresh.

This unique fruit makes higher hemoglobin in our blood, so our immune system becomes stronger. It’s important to eat “tsiran” for those, who suffer from anemia, because of its ability to reflex on Hematopoietic system. This fruit is also activating our brain and heart.

Story of its spreading

You can find “tsiran” not only in Armenia but also in other countries such as Turkey, Spain, Iran, Egypt, Marocco, Italy, and France. But many international naturalists consider Armenia as its homeland.

In the year of 69 Romans invaded in Armenia were amazed by this fruit. Alexander of Macedon and Roman commander Lucullus ordered to bring this amazing fruit to their countries. After all, apricot was brought to European countries.

In Armenia, apricot was used from very ancient times. During the excavations taking part in Garni in the head of Armenian naturalist B. Arakelian, were found more than 6000 years old apricot stones.

Cuneiform inscriptions in Armenian, Greek and Assyrian say starting with neolithic age “tsiran” was one of the main used fruits in the Armenian regions of Aragatsotn, Syunik and Vayots Dzor. Today on the Southern slope of Ararat mountain, near the river of Amberd one still can find the oldest and wild types of apricot.

In 1970-86 botanist from all over the world made an experiment. They brought together many types of apricot in order to check which one is the most effective. During this experiment, they found out the Armenian “tsiran” was the most active type.

Different ways to use apricot

Among Armenians, it’s also popular to use the dried version of this fruit.

One can find dried “tsiran” in every market in Armenia, near the roads to touristic places. This is one of the most popular things tourists usually buy in Armenia. It’s a special process in Summertime. One can see the plates filled with this product in almost every balcony in Armenian villages. It’s one of the parts of Armenian colors. Thus, “tsiran” is not the only fruit Armenians dry for the wintertime.

During his famous TV show, American television host Conan O’Brien visited Armenia and one of the episodes was about dried “tsiran”. He bought them in one of the markets of Yerevan. This is also very popular among the Armenian diaspora. Armenians all over the world collect products during their vacation. They bring it with them to other countries.

It is also popular to make “tsiran” juice and jam. In Armenia, they use this during the wintertime. There are many ways to make “tsiran” jam. It is widely used in Armenia and other countries mostly during the wintertime.

Armenians are also popular with exporting “tsiran”. According to Ministry of Agriculture of Armenia, in during the first 8 months, 27800 tonnes of “tsiran” was exported from Armenia to other countries.