These are natural sun-dried apricots, sold in a 350 g resealable kraft pouch. The pack reads Natural Apricot, Doğal Gün Kurusu Kayısı. Sun-drying concentrates the fruit, so the apricots turn darker, with a chewy texture and an intense sweet and slightly tangy taste.
Dried apricots are an everyday favourite in Turkish kitchens. Eat them as a snack with walnuts or almonds, stir them into yoghurt or oatmeal, or simmer them with a little sugar and water to make kayısı hoşafı, a chilled fruit compote. They also work well in cakes, in rice and bulgur pilaf, and chopped into salads or meat stews for a sweet contrast.
Store the pouch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and reseal it after each use. Dried fruit keeps best when kept dry and well closed.