Apricot King Orchards

Since 1926, they have been a family-owned and operated business. As for apricots, their parents, Frank and Mary Gonzales began farming apricots in Hollister when they were married 52 years ago. In addition, they raised three children on the 120 acre ranch.

Apricots and walnuts have been farmed exclusively since their son, Gary, returned from a stint in the Peace Corps in 1971. Gary does the farming, Patti, his wife, takes care of the books, Dad does the ramrodding of the apricots, and the kids take on packaging and labeling.

They raise only the Blenheim variety of apricot which is a very delicate and perishable fruit. This is the kind of cot that you cannot buy in the store. It is so fragile and juicy that it does not transport well.

They cut and dry all their cots within two days of harvest. They tell people "nothing tastes better than a Blenheim apricot grown in the Santa Clara Valley area." This area was once famous for its fertile soil and delicious fruits, but now grows houses and freeways, so that leaves Hollister, at its remote southern end, as the best place to grow this superb variety of apricot. If you know your cots, there's no comparison!