January 9 National Apricot Day #ApricotDay

National Apricot Day is celebrated nationwide on January 9th every year. Looks like I need to run to the store to pick up Apricots for my family to try. If I was going to use Apricots in a recipe besides Jelly which I shared a recipe for below what should I use Apricots in and why?

Did you know Apricots, are often confused with their sister fruit Peaches, which are juicy, golden-orange fruits that emerge in the Spring. Apricots are delicious, healthy, versatile, and a fan favorite in many different forms for a lot of people.

The Apricot is 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, Peaches, and Cherries. Did you know you can find several different varieties of Apricots, and they’re all delicious. 

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. 

Here is a fun tip for you. Alexander the Great is said to have introduced Apricots 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. 

Did you know 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 Apricots have a myriad of health benefits too! National Apricot Day on January 9th is an annual celebration of this fruit that just keeps on giving. Let’s get to celebrating today.

National Apricot Day Activities

1. There is no, better way to celebrate National Apricot Day than by eating Apricots?
2. Not only are Apricots delicious when they are fresh and in Season, but they are also incredible canned or dried.
3. For thousands of years, Apricots have been essential ingredients in dishes, including Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisines.
4. Apricots are used in fresh Salads, baked goods, desserts, and so much more!
5. Apricot is used to make some unique Cocktails. Gather ingredients of your choice and get boozy with it (remember to drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.)

Interesting Facts About Apricots

1. Apricots were a part of the Astronauts’ diet on the Apollo mission to the Moon.
2. On average, Apricot Trees produce Fruit for 20 to 25 years.
3. Europeans consider Apricots an aphrodisiac. Did you know that?
4. The antioxidants in Apricots help to clear your skin. I need to get Charlie some of these because his face has been breaking out terribly.
5. Apricots are best kept at room temperature; only refrigerate Apricots when ripe.

Why People Love National Apricot Day

1. Apricots contain innumerable health benefits including 17 calories and no fat, sodium, or cholesterol, making Apricot’s extremely healthy.
2. Apricots are also a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium.
3. Apricots promote eye, gut, liver, skin health, and so much more.
4. Apricots are versatile with a wide variety of food and beverages made from Apricots, there’s something for everyone.
5. Apricots are also a significant economic player, with over 400 million tones produced globally.
6. Apricots are delicious whether you like Apricots raw, grilled, baked, broiled, or juiced, Apricots are some of the yummiest fruits.

Recipe for Apricot Jelly

Ingredients

8 cups fresh apricots – peeled, pitted, and crushed

¼ cup lemon juice

6 cups white sugar

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Mix apricots and lemon juice in a large pot over medium heat; add sugar and slowly bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Continue to cook and stir until apricot mixture thickens, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and skim foam off the top if necessary.
4. Meanwhile, prepare jars, lids, and rings by cleaning and sterilizing them in the dishwasher or a boiling water bath. Leave lids in simmering water until ready to seal jars.
5. Ladle hot jam into hot sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space on top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles.
6. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
7. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder, leaving a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 15 minutes.
8. Remove the jars from the stockpot and place them onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight and the lid does not move up or down at all. Store in a cool, dark area.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates