Blenheim apricots available

[EdwardAdams]

The old standard from more coastal orchards full of apricoty flavor, now very rare, is available at Monterey market.

[Melanie Wong]

Thanks for starting this topic. A house guest brought some Blenheims (grown in Brentwood) from Monterey Market for Fathers Day weekend. They weren't quite at peak of ripeness so we baked with them. We made a mixed stonefruit crisp for dessert and an apricot clafoutis for breakfast.

The season's at the tail end now, but for reference next year, I'll mention a couple other sources that I enjoyed this year. Combs Ranch in Oroville sells at the Healdsburg farmers market on Saturday morning. Here's the photo of the Blenheim samples,
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2683875686_5fd31979ea.jpg?v=0
These tree-ripened fruits were juicy and almost jelly-like, not mealy at all. When they're fully ripe like this, Blenheims have that something extra flavor-wise. Last week was the end of apricots for them.

Two weeks ago at the Saturday morning Palo Alto farmers market, I had the best Blenheims, colored with a rosy blush, from Jurevich Farms of Hollister. I also bought some very good Rainier cherries.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2...
I went back yesterday. Blenheims are still available, but they're not as evenly ripe now. They're at the Mountain View market today (Sunday). Now that cherries are done, they're not sure if they're coming back up here next week. Jurevich also sells at the farmers market in Monterey and Hollister (Wednesday afternoon). I have to give them a special kudos for supporting their local market. Not enough farms sell at home, and while I can understand the economic incentive to go to the bigger cities, the rural communities are hurting for access to local produce.

[Fig Newton]

Everything Under the Sun, a farm that attends the Saturday and Tuesday Ferry Plaza Farmers Markets, had Blenheims this past Saturday.

[mrs bacon]

I've been getting them at the Ferry Plaza Market from K&J Farms. They've been delish!

[wally]

I have been buying them from Knoll. They have been excellent.

[rob133]

Dans Fresh Produce in Alameda has had them for a week or more - been buying a few every time I am in.

[Atomica]

They've been selling little baskets of them at Mission Pie for the last couple of weeks. I personally like apricots *in* things rather than just eating the fruit--they do nothing for me and I hate the mealy texture (yes, even the Blenheims). But baked in a pie or used in a hearty dish, very good.

[Calvinist]

I got them at Mission Pie as well. They are a bit mealy, but the taste is great and I liked them with granola & yogurt.

[chemchef]

Thank you! I thought I was the only one out here that doesn't like the mealy texture of the Blenheims. Personally, I can't figure out what all the fuss is about. I would take a Robata apricot over a Blenheim anyday. The Robata is a large, firm apricot, with the most lovely floral flavor. If you haven't had one, you're missing out. They're great for eating fresh, but I've also baked with them very successfully (think apricot upside down cake... YUM!).

[rworange]

Where are you guys buying them? I have never had a mealy Blenheim.

[chemchef]

I try them every time I see someone selling them, and every time I think to myself "why do people love these so much"?

[RWCFoodie]

Agree with you on the Robatas - last year was the first time I had them and I was very pleased that there could be a large, pretty apricot that tastes good!

[Cicely]

Where do you get Robatas? I think apricots in general tend to be mealy, with the occasional exception of Blenheims, which of course vary from season to season.

[RWCFoodie]

I bought them last week at the College of San Mateo Farmers Market...

[chemchef]

Do you remember what vendor? I haven't seen them at any of my usual farmer's markets this year and am seriously craving one!

[RWCFoodie]

Sorry, I don't remember the vendor's name... they apparently have a very short season and I've only seen them at a couple of vendors. Others say they don't know it.... Maybe check with Mariani's?

[marlon]

Today at the Temescal market...bought three pounds...ate three pounds! I recommend limiting yourself to less than two pounds per sitting...they were exquisite...

[Spatlese]

Blossom Bluff's? Saw a couple of flats of Blenheims at their stand today.

[rworange]

These are my favorite apricot. Peach Farm was selling them at the El Cerrito Market. I know they sell at Ferry Plaza too.

I'm about to make my annual trek down to Olson's in Sunnyvale for their blenheims.

[Lillian Hsu]

I've been getting my Blenheims at the Berkeley farmers' market from Ram Das Orchards. I'm excited to hear that Olson's Blenheims are here! I'll have to make my trek down too.

[celeste]

How much are Olson's Blenheims in quantity?

I drove out to Wolfe's in Brentwood yesterday to get a 20lb box of Blenheims for $22. Made some great jam and pie! However if Olson's prices are comparable maybe next year I will try them.

[rworange]

Haven't gone yet this year, but they are perhaps the priciest apricots in the area. Using them for jam or pie is really a waste, IMO. These really need to be enjoyed fresh. Olson does have some seconds boxes. If someone else doesn't report before I get there I'l note how much they are. I doutbt they would be less expensive though than Wolfe's.