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NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Apricots Preserved

     It was a farmer talking about his connection to the earth who inspired Sylvia Tirakian to leave behind her career in fiber optic engineering and bring the rich flavors of Armenian produce to her American friends.  There had to be a way to find the finest produce and prepare it in a way that would preserve taste and nutrients, she thought. 

      Her venture into artisanal preserves has been a success.  Harvest Song apricot preserves won first place at the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade’s Fancy Food Show, and a number of specialty and gourmet shops are stocking her other flavors, which included tea-rose petal, quince, apple and pear, apricot and white cherry, and walnut.

      Tirakian’s tea-rose petal preserves require 300 roses, she said.  Her walnuts are cured in oil, like olives.  As for the apricot preserves, she said, Armenian apricots are widely regarded as the finest in the world.  Her fruit is grown only in the Ararat Valley, and the preserve mix apricots grown at high altitudes in full sun with those grown o the valley floor, which are more tart.  Other than fruit or walnuts, about the only other ingredient is spring water.  No pectin is needed.

     Harvest Song spreads are available at Cooktique, 9 Rail Road Ave., Tenafly; 201.568.7990 and cooktique.com.
- Christine Contillo