Good evening, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: January 8th, 2021. Today is National Apricot Day which I will stay out of celebrating because I don’t eat Fruit and neither does Charlie. Although David does like Fruit, but I am not sure about Apricots and will ask him when he gets home for work. In the meantime, do you like Apricots and if so, will you be celebrating today and if so, how?
National Apricot Day
National Apricot Day is celebrated nationwide on January 9th every year. Did you know Apricots, are often confused with their sister fruit Peaches, which are juicy, golden-orange fruits that emerge in Spring. Apricots are delicious, versatile, and a fan favorite in many forms! Apricots are a member of ‘Rosaceae,’ or the rose family, along with over 4,000 other species of plants. Apricots belong to a subdivision of fruits within this family, known as drupes. Having a thin skin, pulpy middle, and hard center with a seed. Some other drupes related to Apricots are Plums, and Cherries. Did you know there are several different varieties of Apricots?
HISTORY OF NATIONAL APRICOT DAY
Apricots date back as early as 2000 B.C and Apricots were first cultivated in China and Central Asia and then slowly made their way around the world. Chinese traders and merchants traveling along the Great Silk Road introduced Apricots to the Persians. The Arabs took Apricots from Central Asia to the Middle East, where they were integrated into the court’s kitchen and rapidly dispersed widely into Islamic dominions.
Alexander the Great is said to have introduced Apricot’s to Greece, and English and Spanish settlers brought Apricots to the United States. With increasing trade and travel across borders, the fruit found its way across the globe and is now grown and consumed worldwide.
Apricots mature faster than other Spring fruits and become available as early as March in certain parts of the world. Not only are Apricots delicious by themselves, but they are also important in the culinary world. Chefs have been exploring Apricot’s uses for thousands of years. What makes it even better is the fact that the Apricot has a myriad of health benefits too!
NATIONAL APRICOT DAY ACTIVITIES
- What better way to celebrate National Apricot Day than by eating Apricots? Not only are Apricots delicious when they are fresh and in Season, but they are also incredible canned or dried.
- For thousands of years, Apricots have been essential ingredients in delicacies, especially in Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisines. Apricots are used in Salads, baked recipes, desserts, and more!
- The fruit is used to make unique Cocktails. Gather ingredients of your choice and get boozy.
5 FACTS ABOUT APRICOTS
- Apricots were a part of the Astronauts’ diet on the Apollo mission to the moon.
- On average, Apricot trees produce fruit for 20 to 25 years.
- Did you know Europeans consider Apricots an Aphrodisiac?
- The antioxidants in Apricots help to clear your skin.
- Apricots are best kept at room temperature; only refrigerate Apricots when ripe.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL APRICOT DAY
- Apricots only contain 17 Calories and no Fat, Sodium, or Cholesterol, so Apricots are extremely healthy. Apricots are also a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Dietary Fiber, and Potassium. Apricots promote eye, gut, liver, and skin health.
- With a wide variety of food and beverages made from Apricots, there’s something for everyone. Apricots are also a significant economic player, with over 400 million tons produced globally.
- Whether you like Apricots raw, grilled, baked, broiled, or juiced, Apricots are one of the yummiest fruits.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
