Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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Apricots are petite, round to slightly oblong fruits with smooth and velvety skin. The skin often has a rosy blush, and can range in color from pale yellow, to golden, to a burnt orange, depending on the variety and how ripe they are. The flesh is smooth, juicy, tender, and sweet, with just a bit of tartness at the end. The flavor is often described as being somewhere between a peach and a plum. Apricots are classified as stone fruits or drupes, characterized by their thin skin, pulpy middle, and single, hard, central shell enclosing a pit or stone.
Apricots are available in the late spring through summer.
Apricots are members of the rose family, closely related to the plum, peach, cherry and almond. Their full botanically name, Prunus armeniaca, is a reference to Armenia, where the ancient Greeks believed the apricot came from. There are many different varieties of apricots bred for different traits, from early, mid to late ripening, to superior flavor, to coloring, and even the ability to withstand long-term shipping. Popular apricot cultivars include Blenheim, Sungold, Autum Royal, Moorpark, and Royal Rosa. The apricot is also a parent fruit for successful hybrids, such as the apricot-plum crossing called a pluot, aprium, or plumcot. Most New World apricots are actually of European or Western origin, while central Asian or Eastern apricots are still relatively new to the US and other North American growers. This may be due to the fact that Eastern apricots typically required colder winters, but also because they are less plump than Western varieties, making them visually less appealing, and yet Eastern varieties are often considered to be the most delicious in flavor and texture.
Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, iron and beta-carotenes. At one time or another, apricots have been acclaimed to treat cancer, tumors, swelling, ulcers, heart disease, and more. Historically, they have played a significant role in Chinese medicine where they are thought to regenerate and detoxify the body.
Apricots can be used in both raw and cooked applications, and in every type of dish from appetizer to dessert. They can be roasted, grilled, baked, broiled, poached, cooked into jams and preserves, made into ice cream or gelato, or pureed for use in sauce or dressings. They are often found preserved by canning or drying because the fresh fruits are so highly perishable, and they are even utilized to flavor liqueurs like apricot brandy. Apricots pair well with other stone fruit, including cherries, almonds and plums, as well as with hazelnut, pistachio, vanilla bean, honey, egg custards, soft cheeses, lemon zest, orange zest, white chocolate, and light, sweet white wines. Their skin is edible, thin, and tender, and it can help the fruit hold its shape in cooking and baking. However, if you prefer to peel them, you can blanch apricots in boiling water for about 20 seconds, submerge in ice water, allow them to cool, and you’ll easily be able to peel off the skin. Even the seed or kernel of a few Eastern apricot varieties is sweet, similar in flavor and appearance to an almond, and full of protein and fiber. However, it is important to note that these kernels MAY BE TOXIC until roasted. Apricots also make a good substitute for peaches, although depending on how sweet your apricots are, you may consider adding sugar to the recipe to make up the difference. Store Apricots on the counter at room temperature until ripe and soft to the touch. Apricots should be eaten once ripe, or they can then be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a couple days. When storing, be careful not to stack or pile them as they bruise easily. For longer storage, you can blanch, slice, remove the pit, and freeze Apricots for up to 3 months.
Apricots have a unique connection to an ancient people that live in the Hunza valley in the mountain peaks of the Himalayas of Northeastern Pakistan. The Hunza people claim they are descended from three soldiers of Alexander the Great who lost their way in one of the steep gorges of the Himalayas, and they are purported to have many centenarians among them, living long, healthy, completely disease-free lives. Their diet consists primarily of grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables, with meat and dairy in smaller portions, and wouldn’t you know it – apricots are one of their main crops! The fruit is eaten fresh and dried, and the kernels are ground for their oil, or roasted and eaten like you would almonds. There are many theories that Apricots and their kernels are key factors to such incredible longevity, although scientists also accredit the facts that the Hunza people are active, do not eat any processed foods, have very little sugar in their diet, and have access to mineral-rich mountain water.
Apricots are believed to have originated in China. However, they have also been cultivated in Armenia and India since antiquity, so it may be safer to say that apricots originated in China and central Asia, being cultivated as early as 2000 BCE. The exact center of domestication is uncertain, or at least debated, thanks to the fruit’s widespread distribution from extensive, prehistoric cultivation. With the help of trade routes like the Silk Road, the apricot spread from Asia into Europe, and eventually the New World. They arrived in Europe via Armenia, which is why the apricot was given the scientific name, Prunus armenaica. Alexander the Great is credited with introducing apricots to Greece, while King Henry VIII’s gardener brought them to England from Italy. The apricot eventually made its way to Virginia with English settlors circa 1720, while Spanish missionaries introduced it to the American west coast later on in the 18th century, which is considered its true arrival to the US market. The California climate is perfectly suited for growing apricots, and even today, cultivation in the US is primarily based in orchards of California.
Recipes that include Apricots. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Apricots using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Apricots | Listen |
| Food Fable: Apricots | Listen |
Description/Taste
Apricots are petite, round to slightly oblong fruits with smooth and velvety skin. The skin often has a rosy blush, and can range in color from pale yellow, to golden, to a burnt orange, depending on the variety and how ripe they are. The flesh is smooth, juicy, tender, and sweet, with just a bit of tartness at the end. The flavor is often described as being somewhere between a peach and a plum. Apricots are classified as stone fruits or drupes, characterized by their thin skin, pulpy middle, and single, hard, central shell enclosing a pit or stone.
Seasons/Availability
Apricots are available in the late spring through summer.
Current Facts
Apricots are members of the rose family, closely related to the plum, peach, cherry and almond. Their full botanically name, Prunus armeniaca, is a reference to Armenia, where the ancient Greeks believed the apricot came from. There are many different varieties of apricots bred for different traits, from early, mid to late ripening, to superior flavor, to coloring, and even the ability to withstand long-term shipping. Popular apricot cultivars include Blenheim, Sungold, Autum Royal, Moorpark, and Royal Rosa. The apricot is also a parent fruit for successful hybrids, such as the apricot-plum crossing called a pluot, aprium, or plumcot. Most New World apricots are actually of European or Western origin, while central Asian or Eastern apricots are still relatively new to the US and other North American growers. This may be due to the fact that Eastern apricots typically required colder winters, but also because they are less plump than Western varieties, making them visually less appealing, and yet Eastern varieties are often considered to be the most delicious in flavor and texture.
Nutritional Value
Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, iron and beta-carotenes. At one time or another, apricots have been acclaimed to treat cancer, tumors, swelling, ulcers, heart disease, and more. Historically, they have played a significant role in Chinese medicine where they are thought to regenerate and detoxify the body.
Applications
Apricots can be used in both raw and cooked applications, and in every type of dish from appetizer to dessert. They can be roasted, grilled, baked, broiled, poached, cooked into jams and preserves, made into ice cream or gelato, or pureed for use in sauce or dressings. They are often found preserved by canning or drying because the fresh fruits are so highly perishable, and they are even utilized to flavor liqueurs like apricot brandy. Apricots pair well with other stone fruit, including cherries, almonds and plums, as well as with hazelnut, pistachio, vanilla bean, honey, egg custards, soft cheeses, lemon zest, orange zest, white chocolate, and light, sweet white wines. Their skin is edible, thin, and tender, and it can help the fruit hold its shape in cooking and baking. However, if you prefer to peel them, you can blanch apricots in boiling water for about 20 seconds, submerge in ice water, allow them to cool, and you’ll easily be able to peel off the skin. Even the seed or kernel of a few Eastern apricot varieties is sweet, similar in flavor and appearance to an almond, and full of protein and fiber. However, it is important to note that these kernels MAY BE TOXIC until roasted. Apricots also make a good substitute for peaches, although depending on how sweet your apricots are, you may consider adding sugar to the recipe to make up the difference. Store Apricots on the counter at room temperature until ripe and soft to the touch. Apricots should be eaten once ripe, or they can then be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a couple days. When storing, be careful not to stack or pile them as they bruise easily. For longer storage, you can blanch, slice, remove the pit, and freeze Apricots for up to 3 months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Apricots have a unique connection to an ancient people that live in the Hunza valley in the mountain peaks of the Himalayas of Northeastern Pakistan. The Hunza people claim they are descended from three soldiers of Alexander the Great who lost their way in one of the steep gorges of the Himalayas, and they are purported to have many centenarians among them, living long, healthy, completely disease-free lives. Their diet consists primarily of grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables, with meat and dairy in smaller portions, and wouldn’t you know it – apricots are one of their main crops! The fruit is eaten fresh and dried, and the kernels are ground for their oil, or roasted and eaten like you would almonds. There are many theories that Apricots and their kernels are key factors to such incredible longevity, although scientists also accredit the facts that the Hunza people are active, do not eat any processed foods, have very little sugar in their diet, and have access to mineral-rich mountain water.
Geography/History
Apricots are believed to have originated in China. However, they have also been cultivated in Armenia and India since antiquity, so it may be safer to say that apricots originated in China and central Asia, being cultivated as early as 2000 BCE. The exact center of domestication is uncertain, or at least debated, thanks to the fruit’s widespread distribution from extensive, prehistoric cultivation. With the help of trade routes like the Silk Road, the apricot spread from Asia into Europe, and eventually the New World. They arrived in Europe via Armenia, which is why the apricot was given the scientific name, Prunus armenaica. Alexander the Great is credited with introducing apricots to Greece, while King Henry VIII’s gardener brought them to England from Italy. The apricot eventually made its way to Virginia with English settlors circa 1720, while Spanish missionaries introduced it to the American west coast later on in the 18th century, which is considered its true arrival to the US market. The California climate is perfectly suited for growing apricots, and even today, cultivation in the US is primarily based in orchards of California.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Apricots. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Apricots using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Borough Market
Turnips
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 https://turnipsboroughmarket.com About 124 days ago, 9/21/21 
Small market
England, United KingdomМустафина, 9, 050043/A15D6F6, Алматы, Орбита 4, 1 этаж About 137 days ago, 9/08/21 Sharer's comments : Juicy and aromatic apricots from Uzbekistan 
Zhetygen village, Ile region, Almaty oblast, Kazak
Magnum express
England, United KingdomZhetygen village, Ile region, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan About 140 days ago, 9/05/21 Sharer's comments : Tasty white apricots from Uzbekistan 
Almagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
England, United KingdomAlmagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 159 days ago, 8/16/21 Sharer's comments : Honey apricots from Uzbekistan 
Orbita micro district 3, 5B, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Orbita food market
England, United KingdomOrbita micro district 3, 5B, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 164 days ago, 8/12/21 Sharer's comments : Sweet domestic apricots 
Santa Monica farmers Markwt
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 165 days ago, 8/11/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
See Canyon Apple Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 172 days ago, 8/04/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 175 days ago, 8/01/21 
Union Square Greenmarket
Breezy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
Near New York, United StatesStaatsburg, NY About 183 days ago, 7/24/21 Sharer's comments : I ❤️ anything with apricots!! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fair hills farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 183 days ago, 7/24/21 
Mamyr str 95 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Maira Market
California, United StatesMamyr str 95 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 185 days ago, 7/21/21 Sharer's comments : Great domestic apricots with perfect flavor 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 186 days ago, 7/21/21 
Suyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesSuyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 198 days ago, 7/08/21 Sharer's comments : Wonderful apricots from Uzbekistan 
Suyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesSuyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 198 days ago, 7/08/21 Sharer's comments : Sweet seasonal apricots grown in South Kazakhstan 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
See Canyon Apple Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 200 days ago, 7/07/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 214 days ago, 6/23/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 218 days ago, 6/19/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 220 days ago, 6/17/21 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesDinuba CA About 221 days ago, 6/16/21 Sharer's comments : Perfect mid-morning snack 👌🏻 
Zhibek Zholy 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Green market
California, United StatesZhibek Zholy 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 222 days ago, 6/15/21 Sharer's comments : Apricots variety "Kuraga", after which one the dry apricots got their name 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 227 days ago, 6/10/21 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 228 days ago, 6/09/21 
Kazakhfilm micro district 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Eco fresh market
California, United StatesKazakhfilm micro district 17/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 228 days ago, 6/08/21 Sharer's comments : Tasty apricots from Uzbekistan 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 230 days ago, 6/07/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 235 days ago, 6/02/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 237 days ago, 5/31/21 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Regier Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 249 days ago, 5/19/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 254 days ago, 5/14/21 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 256 days ago, 5/12/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 528 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Only a couple more weeks left! 
Redmond Farmers Market
Salsa Guerreo Farm
Near Redmond, Washington, United StatesMoses Lake, WA About 533 days ago, 8/08/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 535 days ago, 8/06/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots are in 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 542 days ago, 7/30/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots are cruising along this season! Looking good. 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 549 days ago, 7/23/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots are still in season! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 555 days ago, 7/17/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots still looking good! 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 556 days ago, 7/16/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 563 days ago, 7/09/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 568 days ago, 7/04/20 Sharer's comments : Gorgeous!! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 568 days ago, 7/04/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots still in Season Now! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 570 days ago, 7/02/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots in Season Now! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 577 days ago, 6/25/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott Farms in house now! 
Farm Stand West
The Farm Stand
Near Escondido, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 580 days ago, 6/22/20 Sharer's comments : Yum! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 584 days ago, 6/18/20 Sharer's comments : Plump and sweet Apricots from Scott Farms! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 585 days ago, 6/17/20 Sharer's comments : Coral Cot Apricots from Scott Farms 
Central market of Athens Greece
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 593 days ago, 6/09/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 👌 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 599 days ago, 6/03/20 Sharer's comments : Vibrant gorgeous Apricots from Mr. Scott 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 605 days ago, 5/28/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 👌 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 605 days ago, 5/28/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 👌 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-351-6203 About 606 days ago, 5/27/20 Sharer's comments : A few new varieties of Apricots at Scott Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-351-6203 About 613 days ago, 5/20/20 Sharer's comments : First of the Apricots from Scott Farms. 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 614 days ago, 5/19/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots in season 🇬🇷 
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
EcoFreshMarket
Attiki, GreeceKazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 616 days ago, 5/17/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh apricots from Tashkent, Uzbekistan in Almaty |
