Dried Fruit and Nuts: How to Choose at the Bazaar

Dried fruit and nuts are the most practical gift from Uzbekistan. They are light, keep for a long time and remind you of the country every time you drink tea. But it is easy to go wrong at the bazaar: the rows overflow with goods, and sellers compete to invite you to taste. Here is how to choose what is genuinely good.

Main kinds

Dried apricots

Apricots are dried in several forms. Uryuk is dried apricot with the stone, kuraga is without the stone, in halves. Sometimes kaysa is sold: dried apricot with the kernel inside. They are soft, sweet and very aromatic.

Raisins

Kishmish is seedless raisin in different colours: light, golden and dark. Different varieties are grown in different regions, and the taste differs noticeably. Dark raisins are usually sweeter and softer.

Figs, dates and plums

Dried figs, prunes and sometimes dates (often imported). Do try the figs: they are tender and very sweet.

Melon and other unusual dried fruit

Dried melon, braided into plaits, can sometimes be found at markets. It is dense and very sweet. Dried apples, pears and cherries are also sold.

Nuts

Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and peanuts. Almonds and pistachios are popular here, but cost more than other nuts.

How to choose quality

1. Colour

Natural dried fruit is not bright orange like a cartoon. Real kuraga is dark orange or brownish. An overly bright colour means the fruit was treated with sulphur dioxide to preserve its look. In small doses it is not necessarily dangerous, but natural colour is a sign of a more natural product.

2. Smell

Good dried fruit smells of fruit. If you notice mould, chemicals or mustiness, buy elsewhere. Nuts should not smell rancid.

3. Texture

Dried fruit should be soft but not sticky or wet. If it is too hard, it was over-dried or stored too long. If it is damp and smells fermented, set it aside.

4. Taste

Ask to taste. A seller at an Uzbek bazaar will always oblige. Compare two or three options from different rows and choose the one you like better.

5. Cleanliness

Look at how the goods are laid out. They should be clean, with no debris, insects or dust. It is better to choose stalls where goods are covered with cloth or kept in clean trays.

How to choose nuts

• Walnuts: whole kernels should be light, without dark spots. Dark and shrivelled ones are old.
• Almonds: the kernel should be firm and sweet, without bitterness. Bitter almonds are not recommended in large quantities.
• Pistachios: an open shell is a good sign. They should be light and not oversalted.
• Nuts in the shell keep longer than shelled ones.

How much it costs

Prices depend on the season, region and quality. Roughly, almonds, pistachios and kuraga cost more, while raisins and walnuts cost less. Prices change each season, so check on the spot and compare in several rows. Bargaining is appropriate, especially for large volumes, but discounts on small portions are modest.

How to store and carry

• Store dried fruit in tightly closed jars or sealed bags in a cool, dark place.
• Do not leave it in a car in the sun.
• For transport, ask for it to be packed in sturdy bags or boxes.
• If you fly, check the rules on carrying food and your country's import restrictions. Some states ban certain plant products.
• Nuts with high oil content do not keep long; better to eat them within a few months.
• Rinse dried fruit in warm water before eating.

Where to buy

Dried fruit and nuts are sold at every large bazaar in Uzbekistan: in Tashkent, Chorsu and Alay; in Samarkand, Siab; in Bukhara and other cities, local markets. In souvenir shops prices are usually higher, so for food it is better to go to the main market. If you go to Samarkand specifically to shop, look at the rows near Siab Bazaar and the city markets. The easiest way from the capital to Samarkand is along the fast highway: the road takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and on the Tashkent — Samarkand page drivers post trips with different departure times. You book a seat in the Yo'ldosh app, and it usually costs less than a taxi. Other directions are collected on the all routes page.

What to give as a gift

If you are choosing gifts, assemble a set: kuraga, raisins, almonds and walnuts. With a small pack of halva or navat it makes a beautiful, tasty gift. Ask for everything to be packed in separate bags with paper on top.

The takeaway

Good dried fruit is dark, soft and aromatic, without a chemical smell or bright dyes. Do not buy at the first shop; taste, compare and do not hesitate to ask questions. Uzbek sellers are usually glad to tell you where the goods come from and how best to store them.

Cover photo: Miss Kamola, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.