Abricot Rouget de Sernhac
Characterized by its fragrant scent and particularly sweet flavor, which is due to an unusual mixture of acids and sugars for this kind of fruit, the Rouget de Sernhac apricot has a red peel and succulent pulp. The production area for this variety coincides with the CDO zone of Pays d’Uzèges-Pont du Gard. The local cultivar was discovered by chance in the 1930s by a local farmer, Laurent Beylesse, and is nicknamed Rouget. The fruit was put on the market in the early 1940s, but the majority of orchards are dedicated to domestic use. In 2005 there were only 14 producers who cultivated the Rouget apricot, although the local population is beginning to plant trees again.
This fruit’s production is guaranteed today by more than 15 hectares of orchards, which produce between 12 and 20 tons every year. The fruit is difficult to conserve (it lasts a maximum of two or three days) and the majority is used to make juices and jams.
Aujourd’hui, la production est assurée par plus de 15 hectares de vergers pour un volume de 12 à 20 tonnes d’abricots par an. Le fruit séché est difficile à conserver (2-3 jours maximum) et la production sert donc principalement à la confection de jus et confitures.
