We are so excited to offer our heirloom Royal Blenheim apricots in our boxes this year! Blenheims have a short 2-3 week harvest period, so they are only available for a limited time. These special summer treats are luscious, aromatic and delicious, and yet are in danger of becoming extinct.
Blenheim apricots are listed on Slow Foods Ark of Taste, which is a catalog of endangered heritage foods. The Ark is designed to preserve at-risk food that are sustainably produced, unique in taste and part of a distinct eco-region.
Blenheim apricots used to be a common crop in California. In the early 1900s, they were some of the most widely planted apricot varieties because of the halt of imported dried fruit from Europe during World War I. Packing houses used to fill trains by the rail car destined for New York City.
In the 1960s however, earlier-maturing and more transportable varieties became more desirable apricots to farm, and Blenheim apricots slowly started their decline in California. Currently, Blenheims account for less than 2 percent of overall production, and the number is expected to dwindle further as more trees may soon be uprooted.
We had a few rows Blenheim trees on the farm in Capay and always received rave reviews about the fruit. Last year, we decided to plant an additional 8 acres, and we are truly excited about the new addition! They are already five feet tall, and we are able to harvest a small amount this year to offer to our CSA members.
These beautiful stone fruits ripen from the inside out and are strategically picked at the peak of ripeness. They are lighter in color, never really getting the total apricot color and may still have green-tinged shoulders - you will notice they still taste just as sweet when you bite into them. They are also a bit smaller than some other apricot varieties, but their perfect balance of sweet and tart and amazing honeysuckle aroma can't be beat!
Blenheims are the perfect snack and are also good for jams and desserts. We hope you enjoy these precious, heirloom apricots. Thank you for your support in helping us bring back this endangered fruit.
How To Add Blenheim Apricots To Your Delivery: CSA members - head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. Market is open from noon on Thursday until 10 am, 2 days before your scheduled delivery day. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button "Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products" to add the products to your delivery.
Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood.
