Browse our most frequently asked Blenheim apricot product questions.
How are dried apricots preserved?
What is the nutritional information of dried apricots?
What type of chocolate do you use?
What is a Blenheim?
The Blenheim Apricot, also known as the Royal Blenheim, traces its roots back to the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris and in England. Blenheims were grown in Europe nearly 200 years ago and flourished in the garden at Blenheim Palace in England, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. They arrived in California in the 1880s. The Blenheim apricot is commercially grown and sun dried only in California.
The Blenheim is a delicate stone fruit due to its thin skin. It bruises easily and is used specifically for the production of dried apricots. It is harvested by hand and dried under the California sun, capturing their intense flavor.
Due to their expensive processing, the Blenheim is available in limited quantities. It is actually considered “endangered” by Slow Food USA and with the rapid closure of orchards and with no other Blenheims grown outside California, it is on the verge of extinction. BUT NO WORRIES! B & R Farms is one of the largest grower & has farmed the Blenheim since 1929, spanning 4 generations with the 5th being raised to appreciate and continue this fantastic fruit.
How do I store my apricots?
Dried apricots will keep many weeks left out in a jar for snacking, but they will start to loose moisture after a few weeks. Also, if they begin to darken in color, that means that the sulfur is dissipating. They are still good to eat. Make sure that your apricots are stored in an air-tight container to prevent both moisture loss and darkening.
The best way to store a large supply of dried apricots is in your refrigerator (for several months) or in your freezer (for more than a year), sealed in a large resealable plastic freezer bag or jar.
How are dried apricots preserved?
There is a small amount of sulphur dioxide added to the fruit to preserve the color, otherwise the apricots would be dark in color.
Unsulfured apricots are available in limited supply. For unsulfured apricots, click here
What is Chutney?
Chutney is a sweet or spicy condiment usually served as a side that enhances the flavors of a main dish. Its origins come from the Middle East and vary from wet or dry, coarse to fine and made from a combination of vegetable or fruit and herbs & spices, which are simmered slowly to release the full flavors of all the ingredients.
Mari Rossi’s mother, Barbara Breen loved chutney! Over 35 years ago, she developed the recipe that is still used today to produce B & R Farms Chutney. Her recipe is a complex blend of dried Blenheim apricots and cranberries, ginger, mustard seeds, curry powder, almonds and more. This chutney gives poultry, seafood, lamb, many vegetables and pork a tasty bite. It is also incredible as a sandwich spread or poured over cream cheese and served with crackers for a quick appetizer!
What are Royal Medallions?
The Royal Medallions are the top of the line WHOLE apricot with just the pit slip out by hand. Also known as "Slip Pits". This grade is an instant dessert or appetizer. Try adding a smear of goat or blue cheese and top with a almond or walnut half. Absolutely delicious!
What are Slab Apricots?
Slabs are harvested at a high degree of ripeness. They are a true orange color. This ripeness makes them so soft, juicy and sweet that they cannot hold their shape when they are cut and sun dried. The result is a slightly irregular shaped dried apricot that is absolutely delicious.
Slab apricots are perfect for lunch boxes and as a snack out on the golf course or the trail.
What is the nutritional information of dried apricots?
Dried Apricot Nutritional Guide (based on 6 apricots, 42 g):
What type of chocolate do you use?
Premium Guittard Chocolate in California is used on all of our chocolate covered apricots. We offer milk and dark chocolate on the Nibbles and a mix of white, milk and dark on our Treasures. PLEASE NOTE: Our chocolate covered apricots are very heat sensitive. To ensure the highest quality products for you, we may not be able to ship them during the hot summer months.