APRICOT TILTON / TILTON APRICOT

APRICOT ‘TILTON’ / TILTON APRICOT

Sweet, Firm, and Excellent for Canning and Preserves
Apricot ‘Tilton’ is a popular variety known for its firm, orange fruit and balanced sweet-tart flavor. This medium to large-sized apricot has smooth skin with a slight blush, and its flesh is juicy yet firm, making it perfect for canning, baking, and making jams and jellies. ‘Tilton’ ripens in mid-summer, offering a reliable harvest that holds up well in various cooking and preserving applications. It’s a highly versatile apricot, suitable for fresh eating but especially prized for its ability to maintain texture when cooked.

Why Choose Apricot ‘Tilton’?

Comparison: Compared to other apricot varieties like ‘Moorpark’ or ‘Puget Gold,’ ‘Tilton’ is known for its firmer texture, making it ideal for canning and preserving. Its flavor is slightly more tart than some other varieties, offering a perfect balance when cooked or sweetened.

Companions: For good cross-pollination, pair ‘Tilton’ with another apricot variety such as ‘Moorpark’ or ‘Puget Gold.’ While it is self-pollinating, it benefits from the presence of other apricot trees.

Key Features:

Firm, Juicy Texture: The flesh is firm yet juicy, holding up well during cooking, making it ideal for preserves, pies, and jams.

Balanced Sweet-Tart Flavor: Offers a perfect combination of sweetness with a hint of tartness, making it great for both fresh eating and culinary uses.

Mid-Summer Harvest: Ripens in mid-summer, providing an abundant harvest.

Great for Canning & Preserves: Known for its ability to maintain its texture and flavor when preserved, making it a top choice for jams, jellies, and canning.

Hardy & Low Maintenance: A hardy apricot variety that is disease-resistant and requires minimal care once established.

Specifications:

Harvest Time: Mid-summer.
Tree Size: 4.5–6 m tall (standard) | 2.5–3.5 m tall (semi-dwarf).
Hardiness: Zone 5–8.

Apricot ‘Tilton’ is an excellent choice for home gardeners looking to make homemade preserves, jams, and pies. Its firm texture, balanced flavor, and versatility in the kitchen make it one of the most popular apricot varieties.