Altair

The Altair apricot variety is a medium-sized tree with a round, spreading, and dense crown, well-leafed with slightly raised branches. The tree begins fruiting in the 4th-5th year after planting and is characterized by medium cold hardiness of flower buds, as well as increased resistance to diseases. Blooming occurs in average terms, contributing to regular and stable yields of up to 10 tons per hectare.

The Altair apricot fruits are above average size, weighing about 45-50 grams, with a wide-oval, almost round shape and a rounded or slightly depressed apex, shifted to the back. The skin is light orange with a beautiful pink blurred blush covering more than half of the fruit's surface. The flesh is orange, firm, moderately juicy with slight mealy texture, has a light aroma and sweet-sour taste, confirmed by a tasting score of 4.5 points. The pit weighs about 2.3 grams, constitutes approximately 4.8% of the fruit's mass, and separates well from the flesh, while the seed is bitter.

The variety belongs to the medium ripening period, with fruits ripening in the second decade of July. The Altair apricot is versatile in use, suitable both for fresh consumption and for processing. It contains about 11.3% sugar, 1.3% acid, and 8.1 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit. The yield is high - up to 10.9 centners per hectare, and the fruits have good transportability and firm attachment, which facilitates their harvesting and transportation.