Apricot Information

 

History of the Apricot

Apricots originally hailed from China. Cuttings of this golden fruit made their way across the Persian Empire to the Mediterranean where they flourished. The Spanish explorers get credit for introducing the apricot to the New World, and specifically to California, where they were planted in the gardens of the Spanish missions. In 1792, in an area south of San Francisco, the first major production of apricots was recorded.

Selecting Fresh Apricots

The fresh apricot harvest begins in mid-May and lasts for about eight weeks. When selecting fresh apricots, look for plump, well-formed, fairly firm fruit with a delicate aroma and golden orange color. Ripe fruit should be refrigerated. To ripen firm fruit, hold at room temperature or place in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Flavor Plus Nutrition

Juicy, sweet fresh apricots are high in vitamins A and C, and they're a good source of fiber and potassium--all for only 18 calories per fruit!

 

Nutrition Information

3 apricots (3.5 oz)
Calories 48
Protein 1 g
Carbohydrate 11 g
Fat .5 g
Sodium 1 mg
Potassium 295 mg
Dietary fiber 2 g
Vitamin A 2612 IU
Vitamin C 10 mg
Calcium 14 mg
Iron .5mg