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Apricots
Inventory, 120 ct : 0
This item was last sold on : 08/27/22
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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 | |
| Food Fable: Apricots |
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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Siyob Dehqon Bozori
About 16 days ago, 3/17/23 Sharer's comments : Apricot kernels are consumed by locals 
University District Farmers Market
AG Family Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesQuincy, WA About 224 days ago, 8/20/22 
Spqr Mercato Rionale
Spqr Mercato Rionale
Near Rome, ItalyVia Cola di Rienzo, 261, 00192 Roma RM, Italy About 255 days ago, 7/21/22 
NATOORA
Natoora
Near London, England, United KingdomUnit 8 Discovery Business Park St James Road London England SE16 4RA 442072370346 About 264 days ago, 7/12/22 
Borough Market
Turnips
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 About 264 days ago, 7/11/22 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Smit Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 265 days ago, 7/10/22 
Pewex
Near Rome, ItalyAbout 266 days ago, 7/10/22 
Akshi village, Almaty region, Kazakhstan
Grocery store at Arafat resort of Alakol lake
ItalyAkshi village, Almaty region, Kazakhstan About 266 days ago, 7/09/22 Sharer's comments : Seasonal sweet and juicy apricots of South Kazakhstan 
Almagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum supermarket
ItalyAlmagul 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 275 days ago, 7/01/22 Sharer's comments : Incredibly tasty local Kazakh apricots 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 278 days ago, 6/27/22 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott Farms 
Poway Farmers Market
Smit Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 280 days ago, 6/25/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLittle Rock,CA 1-661-917-0103 About 283 days ago, 6/22/22 
Publix Super Market at 10 Westedge
Publix Super Market at 10 Westedge
Near Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, United States10 Westedge St Ste 100, Charleston, SC 29403 About 287 days ago, 6/18/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 287 days ago, 6/18/22 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Tenerelli Orchards 
Zhetygen village, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan
Zhetygen weekend food fair
California, United StatesZhetygen village, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan About 294 days ago, 6/12/22 Sharer's comments : Sweet Central Asian apricots 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
John Tenerelli
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLittle Rock, CA 1-661-917-0103 About 297 days ago, 6/08/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 297 days ago, 6/08/22 Sharer's comments : Harcot Apricots from Tenerelli Orchards 
NaturaSì
Near Rome, ItalyAbout 300 days ago, 6/06/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 301 days ago, 6/04/22 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Tenerelli Orchards 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
John Tenerelli
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLittle Rock,CA 1-661-917-0103 About 304 days ago, 6/01/22 
Testaccio market
Near Rome, Rome, ItalyAbout 306 days ago, 5/31/22 
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Isinaliyeva str., Almaty
Kazakhfilm weekend food fair
Rome, ItalyKazakhfilm microdistrict, Isinaliyeva str., Almaty, Kazakhstan About 309 days ago, 5/28/22 Sharer's comments : Fresh apricots from Uzbekistan 
Mercato dell' Unità
Mercato dell' Unità
Near Rome, Italyingresso principale in, Piazza dell' Unità, Via Cola di Rienzo, 53, 00192 Roma RM https://mercatounita.it About 312 days ago, 5/25/22 
Pewex
Near Rome, ItalyAbout 312 days ago, 5/24/22 
Farmers Market
Near Davie, Florida, United StatesAbout 323 days ago, 5/13/22 
Zhibek Zholy 53, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Green Bazaar Farmers Market
Florida, United StatesZhibek Zholy 53, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan About 330 days ago, 5/06/22 Sharer's comments : Sweet apricots of early harvest from Saryagash, South Kazakhstan 
Borough Market
Turnips
Near London, England, United Kingdom43 Borough Market, London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom 442073578356 https://turnipsboroughmarket.com About 558 days ago, 9/21/21 
Small market
England, United KingdomМустафина, 9, 050043/A15D6F6, Алматы, Орбита 4, 1 этаж About 571 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 574 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 593 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 598 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 598 days ago, 8/11/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
See Canyon Apple Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 605 days ago, 8/04/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 608 days ago, 8/01/21 
Union Square Greenmarket
Breezy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
Near New York, United StatesStaatsburg, NY About 616 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 616 days ago, 7/24/21 
Mamyr str 95 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Maira Market
California, United StatesMamyr str 95 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 619 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 619 days ago, 7/21/21 
Suyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesSuyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 632 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 632 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 633 days ago, 7/07/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 647 days ago, 6/23/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 651 days ago, 6/19/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 653 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 654 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 656 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 660 days ago, 6/10/21 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tenerelli Orchards
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 661 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 662 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 663 days ago, 6/07/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 668 days ago, 6/02/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 671 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 682 days ago, 5/19/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 687 days ago, 5/14/21 Sharer's comments : Apricots from Scott Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 689 days ago, 5/12/21 |
