Want to know what a slab is? Stymied by slip-pits? This section will help clarify the different grades, cuts, and other terminology associated with the fabulous Blenheim apricot!
Do you have a store at the ranch?
Oh sure.......Our store/ranch is located at 890 Westside Road in Hollister. We're here most days, Monday through Friday, between 8:00am and 3:00pm. If you are planning a visit, please call ahead of time (831-801-5275) or email us at
apricotking@gmail.com. On weekends, you can find us at various farmer's markets.
Click here for our Farmer's Market schedule.
What about these BLEMHEIM apricots?
Simply put, these are the sweetest & best tasting apricots in the world! They are a rare (only 800 acres left in the state) and flavorful apricot famous for its delicate taste and superb dried flavor. This variety can only be grown in a few places in the world including the Santa Clara Valley.
What is a slab apricot?
All the old-timers know that slabs are the extra-ripe, fullest-of-sweetness kind of dried apricot. Usually hand-cut and when placed on a tray to dry, they lose their shape and "slab" out on the tray. Often compared to fruit leather, slabs are the sweetest, most intense flavor of our dried Blenheim apricot.
What is a slip-pit apricot?
These are the biggest and most plump Blenheim apricots dried whole. Then, the pits are slipped-out and dried a few more days. Few growers make slip-pits as they are a two-step labor of love. The taste is superb! Plump like a pillow with a stong "woody" flavor from the pit. The Cot Queen says "Once you go slippies, you never go back!"
Do you add sugar to your dried apricots?
No. Our apricots are sweet to being with....when they are picked ripe, they are unsurpassed in their flavor. We drying them in the California sun!
QHow long can dried apricots be stored?
Our dried apricots can last years in the refrigerator...but, we want you to eat a bag a week. That's all we ask! Seriously, our fruits are all low in sulphur dioxide. We keep them refrigerated and so should you. They'll last unrefrigerated for about 4 months, but they will gradually lose their bright color and turn darker.
QDo you carry certified organic products?
Although our products are not certified organic, they are grown without the use of pesticides, insecticides or petrochemicals.
QWhat is the nutritional information for apricots?
Based on a serving size of approximately 6 dried apricots (42 g): Calories: 110, Total Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium: 5mg, Total Carbohydrates: 25g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 16g, Protein: 1g Vitamin A: 50%, Vitamin C: 0%, Calcium: 2%, Iron: 10% More potassium than a banana.
QWhat about apricot pits (kernels, seeds, etc.)?
We save a lot of our pits for our customers who want to crack them out and eat the kernels. They are sun-dried and organic, of course. They require some hammering to extract the inside kernel. *Apricot pits are considered controversial because, like apple seeds, they contain cyanide. However, they also contain vitamin B-17 and Laetrile not found in any other food source.
WEIRDEST QUESTIONS WE'VE BEEN ASKED:
These are not made up.
Do apricots grow on a bush?
Do you use sulphuric acid to preserve apricots?
Are your apricots gluten free? Yes of course!
Are these dried apricots fresh? Almost always dried.
Can I get fresh apricots in February?
If I plant a branch of a tree will it grow?
Can I come to your ranch, climb a ladder, and pick my own apricots?
The answer to most of these silly questions is NO of course. Just thought we'd share.
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