Apricot Rakia From Silistra To Be In Short Supply This Year

The famous apricot rakia (brandy) from region around the town of Silistra, in north eastern Bulgaria, this year will be in short supply, reports the Darik national radio.

Spring ground frosts and torrential rains and hailstorms in May and June virtually destroyed the early apricots. The varieties that ripen later have a better chance, according to Dimitrichka Tarpanova, chairperson of the Bulgarian Apricot Association, but the yield will still be quite low and there would hardly be any left for rakia distillation. 

Meanwhile, the Presa daily newspaper reports that the rains and the hailstorms across the country wrought havoc to the fruit and vegetable crops. 

Almost 50% of the cherry crop was so bad, that was thrown away. The apple orchards were either hit by hailstorms or are affected by various pests and diseases. 

The grape harvest will also be problematic. Hail and rains afflicted vineyards in traditional vine growing regions as Sliven, Nova Zagora and the Pirin region. Some vine growers said this would probably be the worst harvest in 30 years.

The tomato crops are afflicted by mildew and other diseases, due to the wet weather.