Fascinating Facts - Apricots
- Apricots - like peaches, nectarines, plums and cherries - belong to a group called stone fruit, because they have a tough, inedible seed (stone) in the centre.
- Apricots originally were grown in China over 4000 years ago and were brought to California by the Spanish in the late 18th century.California is also the largest producer of apricots.
- Apricots contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C,potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium.
- Apricots are a good source ofdietary fiber with insoluble cellulose and lignin in the skin and soluble pectins in the flesh.
- Over half the apricots grown are canned due to their short season.
- The apricot's creamy golden color comes from deep yellow carotenes (including beta-carotene) that make the fruit a good source of vitamin A.
- To ripen apricots, place them in a closed paper bag at room temperature.Pick apricots that are soft but not too mushy. Soft means they are ripe and should be eaten right away. If they are a little harder they can ripen at home. Apricots should be golden orange in colour.
- The most nutritious way to serve apricot is when it is dried. Dried apricots are richer in nutrients and fiber than those of fresh apricots.
