Spring has sprung and fresh fruit is in season! Apricots are at the top of the list. While the fruit tends to be in season from May to August, it can be enjoyed year-round. There are many ways to eat and prepare apricots. They can be eaten fresh, preserved in jam, baked in desserts, or used in juice. No matter how you’re enjoying an apricot, check out these fresh fruit facts.
- Apricots are members of the rose family. The fruit is also related to peaches, plums, cherries, and almonds.
- The fruit was domesticated more than 4,000 years ago.
- Apricot trees grow best in light, loamy soil. They are also resistant to drought.
- The origin of the apricot is uncertain. Many believe it originated in Armenia while others believe it originated in China.
- Alexander the Great brought the fruit to Greece.
- English and Spanish settlers brought apricots to North America during the 1700s.
- Today, the fruit is cultivated on six continents. Antarctica is the exception.
- California produces 95% of the apricots grown in the United States.
- During the 1600s, apricot oil was used to treat medical conditions such as tumors, ulcers, and swelling.
- January 9th is National Apricot Day.
- Astronauts ate the fruit on the Apollo mission to the moon.
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Written by Abigail Tomalewski, Marketing Assistant
Sources:
That’s It Fruit
Just Fun Facts
WebMD
Mobile Cuisine
Britannica
Easy Science For Kids
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