The UK apricot crop is looking in fine shape for the summer, thanks to the cold winter conditions.
Fruit tree specialist Will Sibley, who has been at the forefront of English apricot development during the last decade, told freshinfo: “Let’s put things into perspective - nobody is expecting huge things from UK apricots because the number of farms is small, but last year there were no UK apricots at all because of a frost during the flowering period.
“However, the cold winter we are experiencing has helped development of the trees. Stonefruit requires a lot of chilling hours, so the colder the better. Prospects for the season are looking good.”
English apricot production is spread across Kent, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset, and a new plantation is being added to the line-up this year in North Essex. “The new plantation is near to the coast so there is less risk of frost,” said Sibley. “There are also new varieties coming through all the time.”
Although apricots will always be a minor crop for the UK, said Sibley, the fruit has great potential in the market and should provide growers with decent returns. “It is very difficult to extend the season on apricots,” he said. “It is one of the few fruits that is not obtainable 365 days a year, so anything that can extend the season is good news.”
Along with the UK apricot crop, the domestic cherry season is looking in similarly fine form due to the cold weather making buds stronger, added Sibley.
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