Goldstrike Apricot tree - Prunus armeniaca "Goldstrike" :

The Goldstrike apricot, Prunus armeniaca 'Goldstrike' has large and firm fruit. The fruit is round to slightly oval and is very large when well-thinned. The skin is a light-orange color and slightly glossy. A reddish blush covers up to 20% of the side that is exposed to the sun. The flesh is light orange, firm, meaty and moderately juicy. Some acidity is associated with the skin.

The pit is medium-large and free from the flesh. Goldstrike is not suitable for canning. Goldstrike trees bloom heavily but fruit set is often moderate to light under natural pollination. This apricot has excellent eating quality. It will cross-pollinate with the Goldbar.

Goldstrike Apricot tree cold hardiness:

Zone 4 -20 Degrees °F to -30 Degrees °F
Zone 8 +20 Degrees °F to +10 Degrees °F
Fruit Tree Hardiness Zones Map

Apricot  History

The Apricot was first cultivated in China in about 3000 BC. In Armenia it was known from ancient times, having been brought along the Silk Road it has been cultivated there so long it is often though to be native there. Its introduction to Greece is attributed to Alexander the Great and the Roman General Lucullus also exported some trees, cherry, white heart cherry and apricot from Armenia to Europe.

Subsequent sources were often much confused over the origin of the species. Loudon (1838) believed it had a wide native range including Armenia, Caucasus, the Himalaya, China and Japan. Nearly all sources presume that because it is named armeniaca, the tree must be native to or have originated in Armenia as the Romans knew it.

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