History
Apricots were first discovered growing wild on the mountain slopes of china. The apricot is a member of the “Family of Flowering Plants” (Rosaceae; Rose, Peach, Apple, Pear, Strawberry family). The word apricot comes from the Latin praecocia meaning “precious” or “early ripening.” The name was earned because it ripens earlier than other summer fruits. A relative to the peach, the apricot is smaller, with delicate, velvety skin and intensely sweet fragrance and flavor. Romans introduced apricots to Europe in 70-60 BC through Greece and Italy. Apricots probably moved to the United States through English settlers on the East Coast, and Spanish missionaries in California. In the 1920’s, the California apricot industry was three times larger than it is today. California is the leader in the apricot industry producing over 95% of the crop.
Variety
There are many apricot varieties grown in California, each with special characteristics. The most prevalent varieties grown by Fruit Patch, Earlicot and Poppycot. Both of these varieties deliver a sweet, juicy flavor and ship well.
Locally Grown
Today, California produces about 95 percent of the apricots grown in the United States. . The San Joaquin Valley (Fresno, Kings, Merced, Tulare, Kern, Madera, San Joaquin Counties) is the largest growing region of apricots in California. Fruit Patch grows apricots only on the best Class 1 soils for optimum growth and production. Class 1 soils are defined as deep, fine-sandy loam soils with good internal drainage. For 2004 Variety Availability, please click here.
