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AFGHANISTAN (H) 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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ALAMEDA HEMSKIRKE (H) July 8 - 16
A strain of Hemskirke that originated in Alameda County and once propagated by Leonard Coates Nursery in Morgan Hill. Rare and choice. Similar size and rich flavor of the old Moorpark variety. A local favorite and that is synonymous with ‘Moorpark’ and sold as ‘Moorpark’.
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BLENHEIM (Royal, Royal-Blenheim) (H) June 25 - July 10
Blenheim is an old apricot variety made famous by fruit growers in the Santa Clara Valley where it grows to almost 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 July 5 - 10
Bonny Royal was first evaluated by George Bonacich, an apricot grower in Patterson, California. It is thought to have Blenheim in its parentage. Fruit is a deep orange color, juicy and very rich. One of the very best tasting apricots. Tough skin but juicy flesh. Excellent for pies and jams. Cosmetically challenged some years, but its flavor is outstanding.
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CANADA WHITE July 7 - 15
Presumed to be an induced mutation of Blenheim, but it doesn’t resemble its parent at all. White to cream-colored with juicy, sugary flesh. Pale yellow, smooth skin. Very flavorful. Sweet kernel.
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CANDY COTS (ANYA, NO. 1006, YELENA AND YULIYA) July 5 - 15
ANYA is a selection of the trademarked “Candycot” series introduced by John Driver of Waterford, California from apricot strains originating in central Asia. Very small but packed with flavor. Among the very best tasting types of apricots.
No. 1006 is very small, maybe the size of a large cherry, but a fruit that John Driver maintains is the best-flavored on all his CandyCots.
YELENA is another CandyCot newly introduced by John Driver, creator of CandyCots. Medium-sized, oval, orange apricot. Flesh is dense but juicy with excellent flavor.
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,” maybe even a bit richer. An excellent-tasting apricot.
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GOLDEN SWEET July 5 - 10
Ripens just slightly after Blenheim. At its best when 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’s becoming more popular. Often beautifully blushed. Attractive and good-tasting.
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MOORPARK (H) July 8 - 16
A very old variety originating in England. A large heirloom apricot with a luscious plum-like 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. Alameda-Hemskirke is a very similar variety and often sold as ‘Moorpark.’
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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 nearly equal to ‘Blenheim’ in flavor but ripens a month earlier, usually with most cherry varieties. It has an excellent sugar/acid balance and is great eaten fresh or made into preserves. An outstanding newer apricot variety.
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ROBADA July 5 - 10
An earlier USDA selection. Very large, beautiful apricot with orange skin and an extensive red blush. Best when tree-ripened. Very good flavor.
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RUBY ROYAL July 10 - 15
An apricot variety from the Northwest. A selection of Dr. Toyama at Prosser, Washington. Bright orange-red flesh. Aromatic flesh. Excellent flavor with high sugar content. Makes a bright orange dried product.
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TWOCOT July 5 - 10
Twocot is a USDA introduction. Medium-sized and oval shaped with a nice blush. Excellent flavor and texture. High sugar content and dries well.
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WHITE KNOCKOUT July 5 - 10
A white apricot introduction from Burchell Nursery. Oval shape with compressed sides. Skin slightly blushed and speckled. Outstanding white apricot flavor. Rich, luscious with syrupy juice.
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