THE APRICOT-PLUM TREE
In local dialect : ” biricocolo”
Prunus × dasycarpa (Ehrh.) Rosaceae
🍑 THE CROSSBREED BETWEEN APRICOT AND PLUM TREE
The apricot-plum (Prunus × dasycarpa Ehrh.) is an ancient, natural crossbreed between the apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and the plum tree Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.).
This rare, little-known fruit combines the best features of both its parents: the sweetness of apricots and the juiciness of plums. As a result, this fruit has a unique and unforgettable taste.
There are different varieties, depending on their peel colour. From red/orange to plum-like black, this fruit always has the sweet, orange pulp of apricots.
📍Origins and Story
🌿 The apricot-plum tree is a spontaneous variety. It probably started growing in Asia or in the Mediterranean area.
📜 It was already known in the 17th century, and it was cultivated in domestic orchards. Nonetheless, it has always been a niche fruit.
🏡In the Italian countryside, especially in Tuscany and Romagna, it was considered a rare delicacy and was handed down as a traditional plant.
⚗️ In the 19th century, some nurserymen began selecting it to obtain more stable and productive varieties.
📜Interesting Facts and Culture
🌱A forgotten fruit: today, the apricot-plum is hard to find in modern markets, but it is still cultivated in traditional orchards and specialized farms.
🍯Ideal for jams: its sweet, fragrant pulp is ideal for jams that are rich and enchanting in taste.
🛡️An ancient and resilient fruit tree: thanks to its hybrid origin, the apricot-plum tree is more resistant to parasites than the common apricot tree.
🌳Ornamental and productive tree: its beauty makes it an ideal ornamental plant for gardens.
👩🌾 An expert-loved fruit: even though it is not so popular, it is highly appreciated by experts for its unique taste.
🏡 BACK TO THE PRESENT
🔹 It is mostly cultivated by enthusiasts and farmers who preserve ancient varieties.
🔹 Thanks to its natural resistance to diseases, it is perfect for organic cultivation.
🔹 You can enjoy it fresh, in jams, or in traditional baking like tarts and desserts.
🍑 This is an ancient, forgotten fruit which combines the best of apricots and plums!
🌿In addition, its Italian name, “biricoccolo” is a real mystery for Marche inhabitants, since we call the apricot tree “biricoculu.”
These contents were written and researched by the owners of the SiGi Agricultural Company in collaboration with the students of the Agricultural Technical Institute of Macerata.
If you would like to contribute to expanding the descriptions of these varieties, you can send an e-mail to info@agricolasigi.it
We launched the e-museum of ancient fruits thanks to a social farming project of the Marche region. The translation is by komalingua
This project enabled five young people with cognitive impairments, aged 20 to 25, to work on the farm. They were selected by psychologists and Anffas social workers, supported by the professional educator Il Faro and supervised by UniMc researchers. Coldiretti Marche handled communication and distribution.
This unique and challenging project led to the creation of both a physical and virtual museum of ancient fruits in SiGi’s garden. This is not only a great honor but also a significant commitment that we are willing to continue with everyone’s support. You can contribute to our projects by choosing our products, or you can do so directly here:
