A few weeks ago, I planted a semi-dwarf Blenheim apricot tree in my garden. Today, as I was beetling about outside, I noticed that the first few buds have opened and the delicate white and pink flowers are open. This struck me as the right occasion to introduce you to the marvelous Blenheim.
This variety of apricot originates in England at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It was brought to the U.S. in the 1880's, and along with almost other varieties, grown almost exclusively in the State of California.
Since apricots in general, and the Blenheim in particular, are very delicate, they can't be easily transported. Therefore, they were never widely available as a fresh fruit outside of the Golden State and most consumers have only tried them as dried fruit, if they could find them at all.
As I've mentioned before, most commercial growers are more concerned about getting products to the store looking good, then tasting good. As a result, the Blenheim has fallen out of favor with growers and now accounts for only 2% of U.S. production according to the Apricot Producers of California trade association.
This is truly unfortunate because the Blenheim is a dilly of a fruit. I've purchased them from our local farmers market for several years and a kind neighbor who owns a tree gives me a small supply as well. Blenheim apricots ripen in early July and have a sweet, honey-like flavor that everyone in my house loves.
Anything that's good enough for Winston Churchill is good enough for me, but if you need more convincing evidence consider this.... Slow Food, an organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in food and cooking, lists the Blenheim in their "Arc of Taste," a hall of fame for great foods.
If you live outside of California, and you want to enjoy Blenheims, you're going to have to grow them for yourself. Good news -- they grow in hardiness zones from 5 to 9, which means that most gardeners in the U.S. can join the party (The exceptions being folks that live in Maine, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, the northern part of Wisconsin and southern Florida)
The variety is available as a semi-dwarf tree. I have mine planted in a container and will root prune and transplant the tree as it grows.
I'll keep you posted.
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