Far North Pakistan in summer. Ancient orchards here are heavily laden with fruits, most particularly apricots. Every family grows, and dries them in huge quantities, up to a tonne per household. Surplus are sold, but most are stored for the brutal long winters. They are a staple and no part is wasted. Lesser quality ones are fed to animals in winter. The kernels and stones are turned into pure apricot oil for cooking and for medicinal uses.
And every stone wall, flat roof and even roadsides in summer are carpeted with naturally drying bright orange apricots. And yes…I have helped to pick and prepare them. They are delicious, fresh, or dried!
Happy midweek ❤️