Yes, purple apricots do exist. While most people are familiar with the common orange varieties, apricots with a distinctive purple skin are available and share the characteristic velvety texture of other apricots.
Unveiling Purple Apricots: A Deeper Look
For many, the image of an apricot is synonymous with a vibrant orange hue. However, nature offers a surprising twist with purple-skinned apricots, which, like their orange counterparts, possess a soft, velvety skin. Their unique color makes them a less common sight in grocery stores but a fascinating discovery for fruit enthusiasts.
What Are Purple Apricots?
Purple apricots can refer to a couple of distinct categories:
- Darker-Skinned Apricot Cultivars: Some true apricot varieties naturally develop a deeper, purplish-red blush or even a full purple skin due to specific pigments. These are genetically pure apricots (Prunus armeniaca) that exhibit a different color profile.
- Plum-Apricot Hybrids (Plumcots/Apriums): More commonly, the fruits marketed as "black apricots" or "purple apricots" are actually hybrids of plums and apricots, known as plumcots or apriums. These fruits combine traits from both parents, often resulting in a dark, plum-like skin with apricot-like flesh and a distinct flavor profile. They are indeed velvety and often have an interior that ranges from golden to reddish.
Regardless of their exact lineage, these purple fruits offer a unique visual and culinary experience.
Characteristics of Purple Apricots
Purple apricots, whether true cultivars or hybrids, often share several appealing characteristics:
- Velvety Skin: Just like traditional apricots, their skin is soft and fuzzy to the touch, distinguishing them from the smooth skin of plums.
- Distinct Flavor: While some maintain a classic apricot sweetness with a tart finish, many plum-apricot hybrids offer a more complex flavor, balancing the sweetness of an apricot with the tartness of a plum.
- Rich Coloration: Their skin can range from a deep reddish-purple to almost black, making them visually striking. The flesh inside can vary from pale orange to reddish.
- Nutritional Value: Like all apricots, they are a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Popular Purple Apricot Varieties and Hybrids
While specific pure purple apricot cultivars are less widely publicized than their orange counterparts, several popular plum-apricot hybrids are frequently referred to as purple or black apricots:
- 'Black Velvet' Plumcot: A well-known hybrid with dark, velvety skin and sweet, juicy amber flesh.
- 'Black Ruby' Plumcot: Another popular plumcot variety, often with a deep red to black skin and flavorful flesh.
- 'Aprium' Varieties: These are also apricot-plum crosses, often with more apricot-like characteristics but can come in darker skin tones.
Culinary Uses and Enjoyment
Purple apricots can be enjoyed in all the same ways as traditional apricots. Their unique color also makes them a visually appealing addition to dishes.
- Fresh Eating: Enjoy them straight from the tree or market for a sweet and tangy treat.
- Baking: Their rich flavor and color make them excellent for pies, tarts, crumbles, and muffins.
- Jams and Preserves: Create vibrant, flavorful preserves that stand out.
- Salads: Add slices to fresh fruit or green salads for a pop of color and flavor.
- Desserts: Pair them with ice cream, yogurt, or use them in sauces.
Orange vs. Purple Apricots: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Orange Apricots | Purple Apricots (Including Hybrids) |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Bright orange to yellowish-orange | Deep red-purple to almost black |
| Skin Texture | Velvety, fuzzy | Velvety, fuzzy |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, slightly tart, classic apricot aroma | Sweet, often more complex with plum notes |
| Availability | Widely available, common | Less common, often specialty markets |
| Origin | Pure Prunus armeniaca cultivars | Pure Prunus armeniaca (dark variants) or Plum-Apricot hybrids (Plumcots) |
Purple apricots offer a delightful variation on a beloved fruit, proving that there's more to discover beyond the familiar orange.
