« Pluots

Pluots are a hybrid of plums and apricots, developed by California fruit breeder Floyd Zaiger. Intricate crossbreeding over several generations has resulted in fruit with the best qualities of both plums and apricots. This hybridization is not a result of test-tube genetic engineering, but rather of the careful transfer of pollen from one plant to another with tiny brushes, and many years of orchard evaluation of the resulting offspring. Pluots are about 70% plum and 30% apricot, resulting from crossing a 50-50 Plum-Apricot hybrid (aka Plumcot) with a Plum. Pluots differ from their cousins, the Apriums, in that one parent of the Aprium is a “pureblood” apricot.

Pluots have smooth skin and a single pit like a plum, but the flavor and aroma reveal a hint of their apricot ancestry. There are many varieties of pluots currently being cultivated, with fruit ranging in color from green to yellow to red and dark purple. Some varieties have speckles or splotches, others are solid colored. The interior flesh can be yellow to dark red, and all are sweet and juicy with an intriguing spicy-tart flavor.

Pluots are available from June through October. Try one of these exciting new flavor sensations today, you won’t be disappointed!