Zaiger's Genetics facts for kids

Zaiger's Genetics is an American company based in Modesto, California. They are famous for creating new and exciting types of fruit trees. Imagine a fruit that tastes like a mix of a plum and an apricot – that's what Zaiger's Genetics does! They work hard to improve fruits for people all around the world.

What is Zaiger's Genetics?

Zaiger's Genetics is a family-run business that focuses on fruit breeding. This means they carefully cross-pollinate different fruit trees to create new kinds of fruits. It's a bit like being a detective and a scientist, trying to find the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

Creating New Fruits

The company has developed many unique fruits that you might find in stores today. These are often called hybrid fruits because they are a mix of two or more different fruits. Here are some of their amazing creations:

• Aprium: This fruit is a tasty mix of an apricot and a plum. It has the sweetness of a plum with the fuzzy skin of an apricot.
• Nectarcot: This is a blend of a nectarine and an apricot. It offers a unique flavor that combines the best of both.
• Peacotum: This fruit is a triple treat! It's a mix of a peach, an apricot, and a plum, giving it a complex and delicious taste.
• Pluot: One of their most famous creations, the pluot is a cross between a plum and an apricot. It has smooth skin like a plum but a rich, sweet flavor.

The Genius Behind the Fruits

The founder of Zaiger's Genetics is a brilliant man named Floyd Zaiger. His dedication to fruit breeding has changed the way we think about fruit. In 2009, a magazine called Fast Company recognized his creativity. They named him one of the "top ten most creative people in food." This shows how important his work is in the world of agriculture and food.

Sharing Knowledge

Zaiger's Genetics doesn't just create new fruits; they also share their knowledge. They often give special tours to people who grow fruit for a living. These tours happen every Wednesday. An article in a magazine called Western Fruit Grower even wrote about these visits. The article was titled "Wednesdays With Floyd," showing how much people value learning from the Zaiger family.