Sources:
Enter the
Share Market®
Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Podcasts
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.
|
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 241 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 246 days ago, 8/08/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 248 days ago, 8/06/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots are in 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 255 days ago, 7/30/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots are cruising along this season! Looking good. 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 262 days ago, 7/23/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots are still in season! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 268 days ago, 7/17/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots still looking good! 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 269 days ago, 7/16/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 276 days ago, 7/09/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 281 days ago, 7/04/20 Sharer's comments : Gorgeous!! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 281 days ago, 7/04/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots still in Season Now! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 283 days ago, 7/02/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots in Season Now! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 290 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 293 days ago, 6/22/20 Sharer's comments : Yum! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 297 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 298 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 306 days ago, 6/09/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 👌 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 312 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 318 days ago, 5/28/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 👌 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 318 days ago, 5/28/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots 👌 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-351-6203 About 319 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 326 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 327 days ago, 5/19/20 Sharer's comments : Apricots in season 🇬🇷 
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
EcoFreshMarket
Attiki, GreeceKazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 329 days ago, 5/17/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh apricots from Tashkent, Uzbekistan in Almaty 
Walmart Supercenter
Walmart Suburban Shopping Center
Near North Decatur, Georgia, United States2525 N Decatur Rd. Decatur GA 30033 404-464-4480 About 595 days ago, 8/25/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots at Walmart Decatur near Atalanta 
Star fresh IKE
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L13 00302104814843 About 607 days ago, 8/13/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🤩 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L27 002104810330 About 612 days ago, 8/08/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
FoodMaxx
Near Vallejo, California, United StatesAbout 618 days ago, 8/02/19 Sharer's comments : Nice quality 
San Mateo Produce Market
Near San Mateo, California, United StatesAbout 618 days ago, 8/01/19 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L27 002104810330 About 628 days ago, 7/23/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 👌🏻 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L27 002104810330 About 635 days ago, 7/16/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots ✌️ 
Meidi-Ya Supermarket
Meidi - Ya Supermarket
Near Singapore, Singapore177 River Valley Road Liang Court Shopping Centre Singapore 179030 63391111 About 636 days ago, 7/14/19 Sharer's comments : These apricots are imported from Turkey. 
Meidi-Ya Supermarket
Meidi - Ya Supermarket
Near Singapore, Singapore177 River Valley Road Liang Court Shopping Centre Singapore 179030 63391111 About 636 days ago, 7/14/19 Sharer's comments : At Meidi-Ya super market export quality fruit and vegetables are flown directly to Singapore and sold at this popular Japanese Supermarket. 
El Chico
El Chico Produce Market 4
Near San Francisco, California, United States2965 24th Street San Francisco CA 94110 415-643-4550 About 637 days ago, 7/14/19 
Parkside Farmer's Market
Parkside Farmer’s Market
Near Daly City, California, United States555 Taraval Street San Francisco CA 94116 415-681-5563 About 638 days ago, 7/13/19 
Bryan's Market
Bryan’s Grocery
Near San Francisco, California, United States3445 California Street San Francisco CA 94118 415-752-0179 About 639 days ago, 7/12/19 
Falletti Foods
Falletti Foods
Near San Francisco, California, United States308 Broderick Street San Francisco CA 94117 415-626-4400 About 639 days ago, 7/12/19 
Bi-Rite Market
Bi-Rite Market - 18th Street
Near San Francisco, California, United States3639 18th Street San Francisco CA 94110 415-241-9760 About 639 days ago, 7/12/19 
Golden Produce
Golden Produce
Near San Francisco, California, United States172 Church Street San Francisco CA 94114 415-431-1536 About 639 days ago, 7/12/19 
Harvest Urban Market
Harvest Urban Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States191 8th Street San Francisco CA 94103 415-621-1000 About 639 days ago, 7/12/19 
Isetan Scotts Supermarket
Isetan Singapore
Near Singapore, Singapore656-733-1111 About 639 days ago, 7/11/19 Sharer's comments : Here In Singapore in the basement of Isetan on Scotts is a great market Isetan. The best fruits and vegetables from around the world. These Apricots were imported from Turkey to Singapore. 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L27 002104810330 About 640 days ago, 7/11/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots in season 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 641 days ago, 7/10/19 Sharer's comments : Golden Sweet Apricots in from Tenerelli Orchards 
Isetan Food Hall and Market
Isetan Food Hall Shinjuku Japan
Near Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan033-352-1111 About 641 days ago, 7/09/19 Sharer's comments : Isetan Basement Market is a wonderland of the best fruit Japan has to offer .. 
Lalas S.A
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens M 18-20 002104826243 About 649 days ago, 7/02/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🙌🏻 
Lalas S.A
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens M 18-20 002104826243 About 654 days ago, 6/27/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Beverly Hills Market & Deli
Beverly Hills Market & Deli
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States303 N Cresent Drive Beverly Hills CA 90210 310-657-3663 About 658 days ago, 6/23/19 
Buy Low Market
Buy Low Market - State College Blvd
Near Anaheim, California, United States1086 N State College Blvd. Anaheim CA 92806 714-991-9839 About 659 days ago, 6/22/19 
Irvine Ranch Market
Irvine Ranch Market
Near Irvine-Mesa, California, United States2651 Irvine Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-631-4404 About 660 days ago, 6/21/19 
Mother's Market & Kitchen
Mother’s Market & Kitchen
Near Costa Mesa, California, United States1890 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-631-4741 About 660 days ago, 6/21/19 
Super King Markets
Super King Markets
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States2741 W. MacArthur Blvd. Santa Ana CA 92704 714-597-7651 About 660 days ago, 6/21/19 
Star fresh IKE
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L13 00302104814843 About 661 days ago, 6/20/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🥳 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
John Tenerelli
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-661-917-0103 About 662 days ago, 6/19/19 Sharer's comments : Rocking Apricots from Tenerelli Orchards . Glad to see them back at the market. 
Capri Italy
Campania, ItalyAbout 663 days ago, 6/18/19 Sharer's comments : Apricot trees Capri Italy 
Lalas S.A
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens M 18-20 002104826243 About 663 days ago, 6/18/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 😋 
Kalivis S.A
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L 25-27, M 22-24-28 002104810331 About 668 days ago, 6/13/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 😋 
Star Fresh IKE
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral Market of Athens L-13 00302104814843 About 668 days ago, 6/13/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 670 days ago, 6/11/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🙌🏻 
Central market of Athens-Greece
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 671 days ago, 6/10/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🌞 
North Park Produce
Near Poway, California, United StatesAbout 673 days ago, 6/08/19 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Kens Top notch produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 680 days ago, 6/01/19 
Fruit Stand
Monastiraki square
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 686 days ago, 5/26/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Leucadia farmers market
Smit Farms
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesSan Joaquin Valley 877-378-4811 About 686 days ago, 5/26/19 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Troy Regier
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-559-779-4704 About 690 days ago, 5/22/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Apricots from Regier Family Farms! 
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 691 days ago, 5/21/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 
Murray Family Farms
Murray Family Farms
California, United States9557 Copus Road , Bakersfield CA 93313 661-858-1100 About 692 days ago, 5/20/19 Sharer's comments : First of the season grown in Bakersfield ! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Jay & Linda Scott
Near Santa Monica, California, United States39861 Road 68 Dinuba CA 93618 559-351-6203 About 697 days ago, 5/15/19 Sharer's comments : Scott Farms 
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 698 days ago, 5/14/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots 🇬🇷 
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 703 days ago, 5/09/19 Sharer's comments : Apricots in season 🇬🇷 |
