National Apricot Day is celebrated nationwide on January 9 every year. Apricots, often confused with their sister fruit peaches, are juicy, golden-orange fruits that emerge in the spring. They are delicious, healthy, versatile, and a fan favorite in many different forms! The apricot is a member of ‘Rosaceae,’ or the rose family, along with over 4,000 other species of plants. Apricots belong to a subdivision of fruits within this family, known as drupes, having a thin skin, pulpy middle, and hard center with a seed. Some other drupes related to apricots are plums, peaches, and cherries. You can find several different varieties of apricots, and they’re all delicious.
History of National Apricot Day
Apricots date back as early as 2000 B.C. They were first cultivated in China and Central Asia and then slowly made their way around the world. Chinese traders and merchants traveling along the Great Silk Road introduced apricots to the Persians. The Arabs took apricots from Central Asia to the Middle East, where they were integrated into the court’s kitchen and rapidly dispersed widely into Islamic dominions.
Alexander the Great is said to have introduced them to Greece, and English and Spanish settlers brought them to the United States. With increasing trade and travel across borders, the fruit found its way across the globe and is now grown and consumed worldwide.
Apricots mature faster than other spring fruits and become available as early as March in certain parts of the world. Not only are they delicious by themselves, but they are also important in the culinary world. Chefs have been exploring apricot’s uses for thousands of years. What makes it even better is the fact that the apricot has a myriad of health benefits too! National Apricot Day on January 9 is an annual celebration of this fruit that just keeps on giving.
National Apricot Day timeline
The fruit is found in China and parts of Central Asia.
Following a late arrival in the region, apricots disperse rapidly through Europe.
Apricots emerge in Virginia and spread to other parts of North America.
Over 4 million tonnes of apricots are produced across the globe.
National Apricot Day FAQs
Are apricots acidic?
Although apricots do not belong to the citrus family, they contain a considerable amount of citric acid.
What is the season for apricots?
The prime season for apricot production is from mid-May to the end of July in the U.S.
Are apricots good for weight loss?
Apricots are low-calorie fruit with an array of health benefits, and they are a good addition to a weight loss diet.
National Apricot Day Activities
Eat apricots
What better way to celebrate National Apricot Day than by eating apricots? Not only are they delicious when they are fresh and in season, but they are also incredible canned or dried.
Cook with apricots
For thousands of years, apricots have been essential ingredients in delicacies, especially in Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisines. Apricots are used in fresh salads, baked goods, desserts, and so much more!
Drink up
The fruit is used to make some unique cocktails. Gather ingredients of your choice and get boozy with it (responsibly, of course).
5 Interesting Facts About Apricots
They are out of this world
Apricots were a part of the astronauts’ diet on the Apollo mission to the moon.
In it for the long haul
On average, apricot trees produce fruit for 20 to 25 years.
Good fruit, good mood
Europeans consider apricots an aphrodisiac.
A skincare solution
The antioxidants in apricots help to clear your skin.
As warm and fuzzy as they look
Apricots are best kept at room temperature; only refrigerate them when ripe.
Why We Love National Apricot Day
Innumerable health benefits
Apricots only contain 17 calories and no fat, sodium, or cholesterol, so they are extremely healthy. They are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium. They promote eye, gut, liver, skin health, and so much more.
Apricots are versatile
With a wide variety of food and beverages made from it, there’s something for everyone. Apricots are also a significant economic player, with over 400 million tonnes produced globally.
Apricots are delicious
Whether you like them raw, grilled, baked, broiled, or juiced, apricots are some of the yummiest fruits.
National Apricot Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 9 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 9 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 9 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 9 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 9 | Tuesday |
Log In With Google