Central Otago is famous for the production of summerfruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums.

These were planted by early settlers during the gold mining boom of the 1800's and as mining declined fruit production became a major industry in Central Otago. Many of the water races used by growers today to irrigate their orchards were constructed by the miners to carry water to their claims.

Sarita continues this fruit growing tradition and produces a wide range of world class Apricots.

 Earlyril - Our earliest apricot variety. This large fruit is very juicy with a real apricot flavour. Early January.

Sundrop - Our main variety. It has a vibrant orange skin with a sweet melting apricot flavoured flesh. It looks like a story book apricot. Medium size. Available January.

Trevatt - Pale clear yellow skin. This fruit is of medium size. Nice eating when fully ripe. Great for jam and preserves. Mid January.

Valley Gold - Large firm oval fruit with great colour. Good to eat when fully ripe and great for jam. Late January.

Clutha Gold - Large fruit with a real apricot flavour. Has an orange skin with a slight red blush. This is a lovely eating experience. Available late January most years.

Moorpark - Central Otago's traditional bottling and jam apricot. Also great to eat. Not as popular as it once was because of it's appearance but, if you want the real thing, this is it.

Approximate Harvest Dates:

Dried Apricots: