Fruit
Patterson
A tier
Patterson is a California commercial apricot bred for firm flesh, late bloom relative to some frost-prone types, and suitability for canning and fresh packing. Fruit is medium-large, bright orange, and consistent on the line more than hauntingly complex on the palate. Processors like the way pieces hold and the reliable soluble solids. The default “regular apricot” in many Western process packs and juice blends. Fresh fruit can be good if ripened properly, but it was not selected solely as a farmers’ market perfume bomb. Use for nectar, canned halves, and industrial drying.
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Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
University of California breeding released Patterson for commercial process and fresh use.
California industry shifted acreage toward Patterson for handling and yield.
Patterson dominated many process apricot contracts in the Central Valley.
Patterson remained a core commercial cultivar as overall apricot acreage consolidated.