Here in Tasmania many of us seem to have a preference for the Moor Park variety of apricots – they make excellent preserves and are good “eaters” as well.  However, it is rumoured that the Moor Park will be increasingly difficult to find and may no longer be commercially viable to grow.

This summer in consultation with Rob Clisdelle, a fifth generation stone fruit grower, I’ve experimented with different varieties.  With Rob’s help I’ve put together the following table which give an indication of how other varieties perform.  Rob hastens to add that this is a guide only based on his 30 years of growing experience.  Apricots are very micro climate sensitive, so there may well be some variations. 

This table includes the most commonly grown varieties – others are grown in smaller quantities.  Further helpful information can be found at www.flemings.com.au

** denotes apricots grown in Tasmania.

I hope that the table will prove to be useful should the day arrive when we home preservers can no longer find easy access to the wonderful Moor Park.