Question
Two years ago I moved into a house that has a large apricot tree in the backyard. Last year was our first apricot harvest. The apricots got large a ripe, and looked great. But when I picked one and tasted it, is was VERY mushy and bland. Upon further investigation, all the fruit was this way. Does this mean that the tree is too old or maybe just a bad tree? I don't want to deal with the hassle of a fruit tree if I can't use the fruit.
Answer(s)
I don't know why your apricots were mushy - could be the variety or because many apricots are early bearers and if we have some freezing temperatures when the fruit is ripening, that freeze - thaw cycle could contribute to the mushy texture. I agree, don't keep a tree that you don't use the fruit. On the other hand, if it is a established tree with good structure, you may just want to keep as ornamental tree.
Generally fruit bearing trees have a short life span (25 years or less) and usually the quantity of the fruit decreases, but can also affect fruit quality.
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