Moorpark

Apricot

Size

Large (2-2.5 in., up to ~7 cm)

Shape

Round; deep yellow with orange-red blush

Flavor

Exceptionally sweet and rich - historically considered the flavor benchmark ("one Moorpark is worth three of any other kind")

Texture

Juicy, deep-orange flesh

Ripening window

July - August

Best uses

Fresh eating, drying, preserves

Pollination

Self-fertile - fruits reliably without a pollinator, though benefits from cross-pollination

Tree size

10-15 ft at maturity; 50+ lb/year at maturity

Notes

Old English heirloom dating to the 1760s-80s, associated with the Moor Park estate in Hertfordshire; competing origin stories credit either Sir William Temple's garden or Admiral Lord Anson bringing it from China. Referenced in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Chill requirement ~600-700 hours (sources range up to 850), zones 4-8. Watch for bacterial canker - copper spray recommended in fall and during dry winter/spring periods, relevant given zone 8a humidity. Blooms in April (moderate-early) - some late-frost exposure but less extreme than Blenheim.