APRICOT A UNIQUE FRUIT

The apricot is believed to be native too and originated in the mountainous regions of north central and north western China. It has been cultivated in China for over 4000 years. Through the years seeds were brought into Central Asia and then following Alexander the Greats military expeditions through the area, it spread to the Middle East. From there is spread into Greece and Italy (parts of the Roman Empire at the time).

The raising of trees from seed and recurrent selection of good types led to the development of distinct families (divisions). The three most important are the Central Asian Group, the Persia-Caucasian Group and the European Group. The European Group is the youngest in origin, the least variable and practically the only type known in the Western World. That is very slowly changing with the importation of new varieties from Central Asia. Most in the United States do not know that an apricot can be very sweet and juicy. The European Types currently being produced in the US are a little dry and not too juicy, great for shipping and keeping qualities but not the best quality. The Central Asian Varieties are generally higher in sugar and bloom later than the US varieties. The drawback is that the Central Asian varieties are smaller generally and do not have as much eye appeal, but they sure taste good. Also many of the Central Asian Varieties are of the sweet-pit type, that is the seed is broken apart and the kernel is utilized usually after roasting as any nut would be. Do not try that with the European types as the kernel is poisonous(Arsenate).

Apricots of the European Type flower early and in areas that get late spring frost cannot be produced in any reliable fashion. That is where the Central Asian Varieties come in with their later bloom.

Apricots require a warm climate but needing cool to cold winters to meet the chill requirements to break dormancy in the spring and warm somewhat hot summers to mature the fruit. Fruit may crack in humid or wet weather.

Apricot trees are a drought resistant tree (especially on apricot seedling rootstock), THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WE GROW APRICOTS. But it is necessary in low rainfall areas to irrigate the trees. Apricot trees are better adapted to a soil pH of 6 to 8.