APRICOTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Though Apricots originated in Asia, they were brought to the Mediterranean where European plant breeders produced the apricot we know today. California is the largest producer of Apricots in the U.S. followed by Washington, Idaho, Utah and Colorado.
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Description: There are primarily two types of Apricots: European and Asian.
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Most of the Apricot varieties grown in the U.S. are European Apricots. European Apricots are small, round-headed trees, ultimately reaching a height of up to 30 feet.
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Asian Apricots resemble the European kinds, but are smaller, only reaching a height from six to 15 feet, and they are shrubby instead of tree-like. The fruit of the Asian Apricots grow one or 2 inches and the taste varies from sweet to sour.
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Growing environment Apricots are very early bloomers, which makes them susceptible to injury from late spring frosts. A warm spell during the spring or even the winter urges the flower or leaf buds to begin swelling and the subsequent cold kills them. European Apricots grow only in mild climates; Asian Apricots are hardier and can survive harsh winters, though will still be damaged if the weather warms enough to induce blooming and then freezes up again. Apricots grow safely in mild climates and in very cold climates, where winter stays until late in the season and then lets up.
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Varietals
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California
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Halves: Bright orange color, rich flavor with tart/sweet taste.
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Diced: ¼” to ½” pieces of fruit, roughly cubic shape.
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Paste: Produced by grinding prepared dried apricots.
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Double Diced: Random pieces of fruit roughly cubic in shape.
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Varigrade: Bright orange to medium amber-color varies piece to piece.
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Mediterranean
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Turkish
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Whole Pitted: Yellow to orange in color, delicate apricot flavor. Texture somewhat softer than California type apricots.
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Nutritional Information/Reference websites
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www.califapricot.com (California Apricot Council)
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BLUE STAR
TRADE &MARKETING
WALNUTS
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Walnut trees are originally from Europe and Asia, and were introduced into California in the 1700s by the Spanish. Today, the Central Valley of California is the state’s prime walnut growing region. Its mild climate and deep fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions for the California walnut with walnuts harvested from late August through late November. Although there are 37 varieties of walnuts grown in California, four varieties account for over 80% of total production: Chandler, Hartley, Payne and Serr. Walnuts provide fine wood for furniture and veneers, produce edible nuts, and serve as ornamental shade plantings.
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There are two main types of walnuts: English walnuts and Black walnuts. English walnuts account for 99% of the commercial US supply and 40% of the world market. English walnuts, also known as “Persian” walnuts (Juglans regia), is actually native to southeastern Europe and western Asia; it does not thrive in England. Walnut trees grow to more than 21 meters (70 feet) tall and are relatively hardy. Walnuts require a long, warm growing season to mature properly. English walnuts are produced commercially primarily in California and Oregon.
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Black walnuts differ from English walnuts in several ways - their flavor is stronger, richer and smokier and they are much tougher to crack than English walnuts. Black walnuts add a distinctive hearty flavor to baked goods. Unlike the common English walnut, the black walnut is native to North America, specifically the Mississippi drainage basin. Today, the common eastern black walnut grows in the Southeast and in California. The black walnut, J. nigra, is a handsome hardwood greatly valued for its fruit and fine-grained wood, the common dark-hued "walnut" of the furniture industry. Black walnut grows from Vermont and Maine west to southern Michigan and south to Texas and Georgia. The tree, the tallest of the walnuts, may reach 45 m (150 ft) in height.
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NOTE: When specifying a walnut, use reference grade, color and size (see below).
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Color Classification for Shelled Walnuts:
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Extra Light
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Light
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Light Amber
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Amber
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Size Classification for Shelled Walnuts:
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Halves
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Pieces and Halves
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Pieces
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Small pieces
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Grades for Walnuts in the Shell:
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US No. 1
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US No. 2
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US No. 3
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Size specifications for Walnuts in the Shell
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Mammoth Size
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Jumbo Size
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Large Size
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Medium Size
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Standard Size
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Baby Size
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Note: Sizing of in shell walnuts is conducted according to USDA standards.
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