The tantalizing Black Apricot July 3, 2006

The Black Apricot. Our trusty fruit scout Dan discovered these treasures in Kingsburg, California and brought them back for us to experience. Even seasoned FruitGuys staffers were left speechless after tasting this unusual hybridized plum/apricot. At first glance, it looks like a plum; round and purple. One touch reveals their slightly fuzzy, apricot-like, skin and hefty, juice-laden weight. Take a bite and reveal the bright gold flesh. Then, the flavor. Words like honeyed, ambrosial, and exquisite come to mind. Sometimes called a “Midnight Apricot” these have a syrupy, delectable sweetness unparalleled by other fruits. We tested their sugar content on the refractometer, and they were a 27. The usual range of sugar content for apricots is 17-28. Your taste buds won’t need a scale to know these are super sweet, yummy treats. A newspaper article described the Black Apricot as being four times sweeter than a strawberry. Treat yourself to what is bound to become your favorite summer fruit. You’ll be dreaming about the Black Apricot all winter.

The pure goodness of the Angelcot.

Longtime customers might remember the Angelcots from past years. We’re pretty sure The FruitGuys are still the exclusive distributor of these rare beauties… A family farm in Brentwood has hybridized a Moroccan and Iranian apricot that they call the Angelcot. There are only two acres of this exceptional fruit in the world. It has a very pale yellow skin color with a slightly speckled and nearly peach like blush at the top. The fruit inside is so juicy and refreshing that I can’t tell if I’m eating fruit or some impossible combination of warm-apricot-sorbet. It has the juiciness and smooth texture of a perfectly ripened peach with an indelible lightness that forces your tongue to question if taste buds are real or just part of the “Matrix..” Enjoy this rare delicacy.

Organic Red Raven Plums

Sweet and juicy, nothing says summer like a perfect plum. Scott Raven is a second generation farmer in Kingsburg, California who tends 100+ acres of various plums. He says the Organic Red Ravens are his favorites. The FruitGuys agree with Scott, these plums are spectacular (try an icy cold one out of the fridge), and it’s our responsibility to preserve the land for future generations. Thanks for being organic, Scott!

Enjoy and be fruitful! Chris Mittelstaedt  chiefbanana@fruitguys.com