As the name suggests, this is an early-season apricot, originating from the region around Saumur in the Loire valley.
The apricots ripen early around the end of June or early July. The fruits are juicy with a pleasant flavour, and a yellow flesh.
The fruits are excellent for eating fresh, and also for use in typical French patisserie desserts.
Precoce de Saumur produces a productive tree, and cropping usually begins at a young age.
Precoce de Saumur has a repuation for being very cold-hardy, the tree can resist temperatures of -15C, and the blossom has good frost resistance. The Loire valley has a cooler climate than the traditional apricot-growing areas of the Rhone valley and Mediterranean regions of France, and this variety is well-suited to more temperate climates.
However for best results plant in a sheltered spot in full-sun.
Precoce de Saumur was found as a chance seedling in a garden near the town of Saumur in the Loire valley of central France.