Precious Apricot

Overview

Precious is a remarkably cold-hardy and uncommon apricot valued for its late bloom, disease resistance, and ability to produce reliably in climates where most apricots fail. It has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable apricots for northern growers, particularly in regions with frequent spring frosts.

History & Origin

According to Whiffletree Nursery, Precious originates from an old apricot tree discovered just south of Georgian Bay. Around 1900, the Fruit Growers Association brought hardy apricot seedlings from Russia into the region, and this tree is suspected to be one of those early introductions. Precious has since proven itself as a dependable producer in Quebec and the New England states, contributing to its reputation as a true cold-climate apricot.

Fruit Quality & Flavor

Fruit is small to medium in size with thick yellow-orange skin and sweet, melting flesh. The pit contains an edible, almond-like kernel, a trait associated with some hardy apricot lines.

Luke’s tasting notes from this video here describe the flavor as:
“Mango flavor similar to Montana Mango with a hint of acidity. Not quite the flavor you get when biting into a dried Turkish apricot. Doesn’t have too much sweetness but nice acidity from the skin. The texture is somewhat crunchy and the flesh doesn’t crumble. Very good flavor.”

Uses

Precious is well suited to fresh eating and also performs well for drying and preserves. Its balanced acidity and firm texture help the fruit hold together, making it versatile in the kitchen compared to many softer-fleshed apricots.

Bloom Time & Frost Tolerance

Precious is a relatively late-blooming apricot and is noted for handling late spring frosts unusually well. This characteristic, combined with good disease resistance, makes it far more reliable than standard apricot varieties in marginal climates.

Growth Habit & Productivity

Trees are productive and consistent once established. While apricots are never entirely without risk in cold climates, Precious stands out for its ability to set crops under conditions that regularly eliminate other varieties.

Cold Hardiness

Precious is widely regarded as one of the hardier apricots in cultivation. Purvis lists it hardy to around -41F. Its long track record in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States supports its use in cold regions, where winter temperatures and late frosts limit apricot success. Solid Zone 3 apricot.