Maybe, just maybe, those names will join the likes of Clutha Gold and Moorpark.
The NZ Summer Fresh company revealed last week it had been trialling some new apricot varieties. They are set to be launched on the domestic and overseas market this summer which, long term, could bring millions of dollars to the Central Otago economy.
The three new apricot cultivars were developed by Plant & Food Research in Clyde, which spent two decades working on their development.
More than 50,000 trees of the new varieties, covering 60ha, are under trial in Central Otago and parts of the North Island.
The three varieties could give apricot growers a significant boost and lead to increased planting of the fruit. One of the varieties would be available before Christmas — ideal for the domestic market, NZ Summer Fresh said. The other two new varieties will be sold later in summer, mostly for export, when most other apricot-growing countries have finished their season.
The new apricots have a more intense taste and all the key attributes needed for an apricot — real flavour, good colour and juiciness.
Many of them are being grown in Central Otago.
The three new varieties are called Nzsummer2, Nzsummer3 and Nzsummer4 at present but new and more user-friendly names will be sought.
In fact it is next on the to-do list for the apricots.
The Otago Daily Times asked its readers last week for some possible names for the new apricots.
There were plenty of replies from all parts of the country and some came from the very left of left field.
Sweetie Darling has a nice ring to it, as does Ruby Rose. Flamboyance fits well but may be too long for the marketing people.
There was also a reference to Central Otago’s pioneering history with Gabriel’s Gold and December Gold.
Jacinta tips the hat to the Prime Minister, while Summer’s Treasure is what apricots mean to some people.
Whitinga Ra means sunrise, which is when an apricot is at its finest.
The names will be passed on to NZ Summer Fresh but there is no guarantee any of them will be used.
GAME OF THE NAME
Some name suggestions. —
Sweetie Darling, Honey Blush, Roxburgh Rose, Benger Bright, Apripots, Sweetie Darling, Rogue Rose, Flamboyance, Mura Hi (flame), Solar Flare, Gabriel’s Gold, Etrik, Red Sunset, Ettricote, Sunblush, Goldenrose, Majestic, Clutha Red, December Gold, Sanz (Super New Apricot Zealand), Rosie, Rosemary, Sunshine, Rainbow, Betelgeuse, Shepherd’s Delight, Teviot Station, Benger Station, Moa Flat Station, Coal Creek, Benger Red, Benger Juicy, Revelation, Russet Rose, Ruby Rose, Flame, Flamboyance, Sunrise, Whitinga Ra (sunrise), Kitega (discovery), Treasure/Taonga, Gem, Blood Moon, Harvest Moon, Ubeauty, EWbeauty, Kamapa Moate (bright and early), Ripa, Zesty Red, Smile, Seasons Cheer, Summer’s Treasure, Joy.
