Prunus armeniaca Polonais - Apricot Tree

The Polish Apricot Tree, sometimes called Provence Orange Tree, is a self-fertile and productive variety in its growing areas: Northeast regions, Rhône Valley, Ventoux, Nyons. This variety is very resistant to cold and has good disease tolerance. Its fruits are medium-sized, measuring 4 to 4.5 cm (2in) in diameter and weighing 40 to 60 g, with an oblong shape. Their skin is orange, overlaid with red. The base sometimes remains green even when ripe. The flesh is of very good taste; fine and melting, juicy and perfectly fragrant, with a slightly acidic taste. The fruits can be eaten fresh, prepared in syrup or made into jam. Harvest takes place at ripeness, during the first week of July.

The apricot tree originates from Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China since 3,000 BC. The apricot tree we cultivate (Prunus armeniaca) was introduced to the Mediterranean basin from Armenia, hence its name, at the beginning of the Christian era. Its introduction to France took place during the Renaissance. The Polish Apricot Tree is a very old variety, whose name probably comes from the Polish king Stanislas 1st Leszczynoski, Duke of Lorraine, a great enthusiast of the variety. Its first registration dates back to 1961.

Thanks to its semi-late flowering, which avoids late winter frosts, the Polish Apricot Tree is adapted to colder regions. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). A sunny location, protected from winds and facing south, will still improve fruiting. It only bears abundant fruit in its growing areas: Northeast regions, Rhône Valley, Ventoux, Nyons. It is not suitable for Mediterranean climates.
This variety has a semi-erect to semi-spreading habit, indicating a slender and tall tree, with spaced foliage and branches that grow vertically for some and horizontally for others. The leaves are toothed, heart-shaped, and have long petioles. It can reach up to 6 m (20ft) in height with a diameter of 4 m (13ft). It starts producing at 3 years old and becomes fully mature at 7 years old.
The flowering of the apricot tree occurs in late March, before the leaves appear. The flowers are borne on the previous year's branches. The flower has 5 pink petals and purple sepals. It is fragrant but lasts only a short time. Fruit ripening occurs in early July.
The Polish Apricot Tree is self-fertile. It does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination.

Apricots are consumed fresh, dried, or prepared in various ways: jams, pies, compotes, apricots in syrup. They are also found in savory dishes such as rabbit with apricots and parsnips, an English recipe. Apricot juices are often mixed with a touch of peach juice to balance the natural acidity of apricots.