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Botany

Rosaceae Prunus armeniaca L.

History

The species is believed to have originated in the mountainous regions of north central and north western China where it has been cultivated for 4000 years. Through the centuries seeds were brought into central Asia and then, following Alexander the Greats military expeditions through that area, into the Middle East. From there apricots spread to Greece and Italy, becoming known in these countries in the first century BC. The raising of trees from seed and recurrent selection of desirable types led to the development of distinct families within the species. Among these, three of the most important are the central Asian group, the Irano-Caucasian group and the European group. This later group is the youngest in the origin, the least variable and is virtually the only type known in the western world.

Climatic Requirements

World production occurs generally in two broad bands between about 25° and 45° latitude, often in association with peaches, nectarines and plums. However, apricots are not as climatically adaptable as other stone fruits. Individual varieties which grow well in one area often do not perform in other apricot production districts.  Apricots require a warm Mediterranean climate, needing cool to cold winters to break dormancy and warm to hot dry summers to mature fruit with minimal disease problems. Fruit is subject to cracking in wet or humid weather. Apricot trees flower early, exposing them to damage from spring frosts in many of the areas they are grown. The tree is drought resistant (especially on apricot stock) but requires supplementary irrigation to reach its full yield potential.

Soil Requirement

Apricots grown on apricot rootstock require well drained soils. In soils where drainage is restricted and ponding occurs after irrigation or rainfall (cherry) plum stocks are needed. Apricots seem well adapted to soils of around pH 6–8. The species is fairly tolerant of alkaline conditions but is very sensitive to high salt levels in the soil.

The Tree

The apricot tree is deciduous and grows to a height of 10–15 metres. It is drought resistant and winter hardy when dormant. Bark on the trunk is dark brown and rough, with new growth being more smooth and light brown often with an orange tinge and white flecked appearance. Flowers which emerge before the leaves are white or pink, solitary, with five regular sepals and petals and many stamen. Leaves are smooth, large and roundish, with a pointed apex and finely serrated margin. The petiole is 1–3 centimetres long, generally tinged with red.

The Fruit

The fruit which ripens in the Southern Hemisphere between November and January depending on variety and growing region is a drupe. It has a thin outer, downy skin enclosing edible yellow flesh. Skin of the fruit often has a red blush. This flesh which is very sweet is most tasty when allowed to ripen on the tree. Each fruit contains a single, large smooth compressed stone. Contained within the stone is a kernel. Kernels of some varieties are edible while others are bitter.

Composition of fruit (per 100g edible portion)

Source: Adapted from R.B.H Wills (1987) Composition of Australian fresh fruit and vegetables, Food Technol. Aust., 39:523–26

Uses

Fruit: Fresh, canned, dried, glace, juiced, jam, confectionary, fillings, distilled or fermented.

Kernels: Oils, perfumes, cosmetics, medicinal and consumption (sweet kernels)