Apricot

Apricot is very popular as a dry fruit. Apricots can either be eaten raw or dried or made into jam. Apricot plants bear fruit in 2-3 years. Apricots have their origin in China and central Asia.

Common names: Apricot, Armenian Plum, Jardalu, Khubani, Khumani

Scientific name: Prunus armeniaca 

Botanical family: Rosaceae

Growing Apricots

Apricot grows well in well-drained and slightly alkaline soils. The apricot plant needs plenty of organic manure and water. It also needs plenty of sunlight.

Apricot trees are pruned to maintain size and shape as needed. It may be necessary to remove some of the fruits early on to reduce the weight on the branches.

It is a close relative of peaches, plums, and cherries. The tree is small to medium-sized, typically growing to 15-30 feet tall, and is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall. The apricot tree is a hardy plant and can grow in a wide range of climates, but it prefers a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and cool summers. It's a cold-hardy fruit tree and can tolerate frost; it requires well-drained soil and full sun to grow. They are self-pollinated.

Apricots are cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world, especially in the Mediterranean country of Turkey. Italy, Russia, Spain, Greece, France, and the US are the world's leading producers of apricots.

Apricot Fruit Description And Taste

The apricot fruit is a small, round, orange-coloured fruit with a fuzzy skin and a sweet, juicy flesh.

Apricots ripen earlier than other fruits of the summer season. They are smooth, juicy, tender, and sweet, with a tiny punch of tartness. However, unripe ones will taste sour.

Eat apricots raw, dried, or made into jam. Apricot is also very popular as a dry fruit.

Apricots are highly perishable, and they reach their ideal sweetness and flavour when allowed to ripen on the tree itself. If picked before then, they will not attain their full sweetness and quality.

Consume apricots as they ripen, or store in a refrigerator, but they should still be eaten within a couple days. 

Apricots are a rich source of vitamin E, copper, and potassium. It helps in getting healthy eyes, skin, and better body immunity.