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AFGHANISTAN July 8-16
The so-called Afghanistan apricot is actually from Iran. The fruit is large pure white with only an occasional pink blush. Luscious white flesh when at its best. Renowned chef David Kinch from Manresa Restaurant says “It’s like eating a cloud.”
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BLENHEIM (H) June 25-July 10 (Royal, Royal-Blenheim)
Blenheim is an old apricot variety made famous by fruit growers in the Santa Clara Valley where it grows nearly to perfection. It's an old heirloom, so venerated that the Slow Food organization has placed the iconic Blenheim variety on its list of endangered commercial fruit varieties. This quintessential apricot is a little finicky to grow but has all the classic apricot qualities: rich, aromatic flavor and juicy texture. It’s excellent for eating fresh, dried, frozen or canned. A universal favorite.
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BONNY ROYAL June 5-10
Bonny Royal was first evaluated by George Bonacich, an apricot grower in Patterson. CA. It is thought to have Blenheim in its parentage. Fruit is a deep orange in color, juicy and very rich. One of the very best tasting apricots. Tough skin and cracks badly on some years.
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PEIXOTE BLENHEIM June 25-July 10
Offered by Gilbert Peixote, descendant of a Portuguese pioneer family who settled in the East Bay near Castro Valley in the early 1900’s. According to Gilbert, this strain of Blenheim was already growing in the orchard before the family bought the land. Classic Blenheim flavor.
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CANADA WHITE July 7-15
Presumed to be a irradiated mutation of Blenheim, but is doesn’t resemble its parent at all. White, juicy, sugary flesh. Pale yellow, smooth skin. Very flavorful.
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CANDY COTS (ANYA & YULIYA) July 10-15
Anya is a selection of the trademarked ‘Candycot’ series introduced by John Driver of Waterford, CA from apricot strains originating in central Asia. Very small but packed with flavor. One of the very best tasting apricots.
Yuliya is a selection from the trademarked ‘Candycot’ series developed by John Driver from strains originating in central Asia. A bit larger than its companion variety ‘Anya’ the Yuliya also has a great flavor that is similar to “Anya” An excellent-tasting apricot.
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GOLDEN SWEET July 5 - 10
Ripens just slightly after Blenheim. When at its best, fully ripe, it’s almost equal to Blenheim in eating quality. Like Blenheim, it retains some tartness even when fully ripe. A new variety that is becoming more popular.
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KITREN’S COTS (UC # 98-2-88) July 10-15
A new selection from Dr. Kitren Glozer from UC Davis pomology. Fruit is large with multi-hued skin. Golden with greenish tints and bright red blush. Inside the flesh is white to cream flesh. Semi-clingstone. Some acidity. Very good quality.
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MOORPARK (H) July 8-16
A very old variety originating in England. A large heirloom apricot with a luscious plum flavor. It often ripens unevenly with one side having a greenish cast and sometimes a speckled and etched skin. Not cosmetically perfect but the standard of flavor for apricots.
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NICOLE June 15-20
‘Nicole’ apricot is a recent introduction from USDA plant breeder Craig Ledbetter. It is thought to have some “Blenheim” in its parentage. The ‘Nicole’ is just a tasty but ripens a month earlier, usually with most cherry varieties. It has a excellent sugar/acid balance and is excellent fresh or made into preserves.
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ROBADA July 1-10
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WHITE KNOCKOUT July 5-12
Developed by Burchell Nursery. A productive white flesh apricot with outstanding flavor.
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