Instructions: The Maharajas of India were known for their gorgeous palaces their ravishing jewels and their rich elaborate cuisine. The Nizam of Hyderabad reputedly the richest man in the world in his time was a lover of good food and his favourite sweet made of apricots and cream is still a speciality of that city. As they are grown in only a tiny area of India apricots are expensive and have come to symbolise extravagance and wealth. They are used to embellish festive food and always form a part of the assortment of dry fruits served after special meals.

how they grow
Apricots grow on large leafy trees in orchards. In India the fruit ripen during the monsoon time when the weather is clement. The ripe fruits are plucked and dried in the sun or mechanically. In India apricots are dried with the stone inside.

appearance and taste
Dried apricots are tan coloured shrivelled and hard. They are the size of a large cherry and are matte and opaque. The dried apricots of India and those of the West look completely different. Dried indian apricots have a fruity sweet perfume like that of honey. Their taste is sweet chewy and rich. Fresh or tinned apricots cannot be substituted for dried indian ones but Hunza aprlcots are very similar.

buying and storing
Buy apricots that are large bright and firm but yielding to the touch. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months taking care not to get them wet.

culinary uses
Apricots are used in several sweet and savoury dishes especially by the Muslim and Parsee communities. Lamb chicken and rich vegetable curries are studded with the fruit. They absorb the cooking juices and become juicy and plump. Try poaching or frying apricots as a garnish or with meats.

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