It is impossible to imagine a traditional Armenian table without local fruits. Armenian fruits are delicious and have a unique taste due to a sunny climate and fertile soil. They are popular not only in Armenia but also abroad. That's why the majority of the products is exported overseas, mainly to Russia.
It is not a secret that the sweetest and the yummiest fruits are grown in Armenia. You can enjoy delicious and mouth-watering seasonal fruits from June to mid-November. Let's list some of the most famous Armenian fruits that are worth trying when you travel to Armenia. Here you have a wide choice of different fruits.
Armenian fruit #1 Apricot
It is the national fruit of Armenia. Those orange-colored fruits are scientifically called Prunus Armeniaca (Armenian plum), proving the fact that apricots were originated from Armenia. Apricots are grown in other countries too, but our apricots have a unique taste. They are the sunniest and the juiciest ones. We are very proud of apricots and consider it as one of the symbols of the country.
By the way, the annual international film festival which takes place in Yerevan is called "The golden apricot." The Armenian national instrument - Duduk is made from apricot wood. As you see, we adore this fruit and consider it as a national treasure.
Armenian fruit #2 Pomegranate
This is another Armenian national fruit which can be found nearly everywhere in Armenia. People believe that this juicy, jewel-like fruit contains 365 grains which coincide with the number of days in the year. Pomegranate is very popular in Armenia which symbolizes fertility and good fortune. It is widely mentioned in culture too. In Vernissage, you can find pomegranate shaped souvenirs, etc. The choice is great. By the way, one of the most remarkable Armenian movies is called the "Color of Pomegranate." It was directed by Sergei Parajanov.
Armenian fruit #3 Grape
There are red, green, and purple grapes. All of them are highly used in Armenia. The season starts in autumn. They are eaten fresh or can be used for making wine, jam, and juice. Armenia is famous for wine-making. People from ancient times cultivated the varieties of grape and made wine from it. Armenian wine has a unique taste.
It is successfully exported and sold abroad. We also use the leaves of the vine. Dolma, one of the most famous Armenian traditional dishes, is prepared with grape leaves. The grape theme is also found in the national art. It is used in jewelry making. Some examples can be found and bought in the Vernissage market. It is a large open-air market lying along Aram and Buzand streets.
Armenian fruit #4 Peach
Another favorite fruit which Armenians adore is a peach. This fleshy, pinkish-orange fruit is cultivated not only in Armenia but can be found in many countries as well. Peaches are juicy and delicious fruits. You should try them when visiting Armenia. The season starts in June, and the markets are full of fresh peaches. Armenians also make dried fruits from peach. They are delicious, and the majority of them is exported abroad.
Armenian fruit #5 Apple
This is one of the most popular fruits in Armenia. The trees are planted in every region of Armenia. It has many species. Some of them can be found only in Armenia. Armenian species of apple are Demirchyan, Tapak, Sokhi, Anarat, Chrkhan, etc. The season starts in autumn. In that time, every market can offer you fresh and yummy apples. The prices are affordable but highly dependent on the season.
Armenian fruit #6 Plum
You can find nearly all the species of plums in Armenia. Depending on it, plums can be either sore or sweet. They appear in the market at the beginning of May. People also love when the plums are not entirely grown and are green. Undergrown plums are sold in the markets and have a high demand. If you like the taste of sore, you should try undergrown plums.
Armenian fruit #7 Fig
Fig is one of the sweetest fruits grown in Armenia. They are widely spread in the country and are famous for their unique taste and big sizes. By the end of the season, homemakers prepare jam from it. They also make dried fruits from figs which are available throughout the year. Nevertheless, there is nothing like the unique taste and texture of fresh figs.
Armenian fruits are one of the first things that come to your mind if you imagine our sunny country. If you want to visit Armenia, plan your trip in summer, because summer is the perfect time to enjoy juicy local fruits. During the season, all of the markets and supermarkets sell fresh fruits. The prices are different and depend on the season. You can also try high-quality dried fruits which are available throughout the year. Armenian dried fruits are ecologically clean and natural.
As you see, Armenia is rich with bright and juicy fruits. Have you ever tried Armenian fruits? If not, welcome to our wonderful country!
Published April 18, 2019
Article by Ani Shahbazyan
