National Apricot Day

The apricot (prunus armeniaca), a small, pitted fruit, is celebrated today with National Apricot Day. Apricots range in color from pale orange to dark saffron, often with a blush of pink or red, and have soft skin with a light fuzz, looking similar to small peaches. They have a short growing season and are delicate. They grow on small trees and have a sweet, tart flavor. There are several different varieties, with Blenheim being the most popular in the United States. Apricots are sometimes crossed with plums: apriums are 75% apricot and 25% plum, pluots are 75% plum and 25% apricot, and plumcots are half apricot and half plum.

Apricots were first domesticated in China and were spread throughout Asia and to the Mediterranean by the Persians. In the early eighteenth century, Spanish missionaries brought them to the New World, to California. Today an overwhelming majority of the apricot trees grown in the United States are located in California, especially in the San Joaquin Valley. A small amount of apricots are also grown in Washington and Utah. But most of the world's apricot production takes place in the Mediterranean, and Turkey leads in global production—apricots are as popular there as apples are in the United States.

Fresh apricots are rich in fiber, potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C. They also have a high amount of natural sugar. They may be eaten fresh, but are most often dried because they are very perishable when ripe. Many are canned as well. Apricots are often used in baked goods, such as in pies, tarts, muffins, and cakes. They are used to make salads and go well with pork roasts and poultry. Apricot sauce is a favorite for topping ice cream, as are grilled apricots. Apricots may be used to make jams and preserves, and can even be used to flavor liqueurs.

How to Observe National Apricot Day

• Eat fresh apricots.
• Enjoy dried apricots. You could even dry your own.
• Make some apricot sauce. Put it on some ice cream, pancakes, or toast.
• Grill some apricots and serve them alongside ice cream.
• Hungry for a hearty meal? Prepare roast pork with apricot and shallot stuffing or chicken with apricots.
• Looking for something lighter? Make yourself apricot salad.
• Feel like baking? Bake an apricot tart, cake, or pie, or apricot muffins.
• Try your hand at apricot jam or preserves.
• If you are in a temperate climate, you could grow an apricot tree.

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