National Apricot Day is celebrated on January 9 each year. Apricots are small, golden-orange stone fruits with velvety skin and a sweet-tart flavor. In midwinter, most Americans enjoy them dried, as jam or baked into pastries, while fresh apricots arrive in late spring and early summer. Apricots are rich in vitamin A and fiber, and they're a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
History of National Apricot Day
Apricots were likely first cultivated in Central Asia and China thousands of years ago. Traders carried them along the Silk Road to Persia, Armenia and the Mediterranean. The scientific name, Prunus armeniaca, reflects the old belief that apricots came from Armenia, where they remain a beloved national fruit.
The Romans grew apricots, and the fruit later spread across Europe. Spanish missionaries brought apricots to California in the 1700s, where the warm, dry climate proved ideal.
Today, California grows about 95% of the apricots produced in the United States, mostly in the San Joaquin Valley. The city of Patterson calls itself the 'Apricot Capital of the World' and holds an annual apricot fiesta. Turkey is the world's largest apricot producer and a major source of dried apricots. Who created National Apricot Day is not documented.
Why National Apricot Day Matters
Apricots are a nutritious fruit, providing vitamin A, potassium and fiber, and dried apricots make a convenient, shelf-stable snack.
The fruit carries a long history, from the Silk Road to California's orchards, and it plays an important role in cuisines from Morocco to Armenia.
In the middle of winter, the day is a reminder that dried and preserved fruits can brighten meals until fresh fruit returns.
How to Celebrate National Apricot Day
- Snack on dried apricots: pair them with nuts or cheese.
- Bake: make apricot bars, scones or a galette.
- Cook savory: add apricots to a tagine or glaze for chicken.
- Make jam: try apricot preserves on toast.
- Plan ahead: look for fresh apricots in May through July.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a snack board with dried apricots, nuts and cheese for a healthy afternoon treat. In classrooms, students can trace the Silk Road on a map or compare fresh, dried and canned fruit. At home, families can bake apricot bars together or cook a simple apricot chicken dish. Unsulfured dried apricots are brown rather than orange; both are safe to eat. Apricot kernels should not be eaten, because they can contain harmful compounds.
Fun Facts About National Apricot Day
- California grows about 95% of U.S. apricots.
- The scientific name Prunus armeniaca means 'Armenian plum'.
- Turkey is the world's largest apricot producer.
National Apricot Day FAQs
When is National Apricot Day?
National Apricot Day is celebrated on January 9 each year.
Where do apricots come from?
Apricots were likely first cultivated in Central Asia and China.
Where are apricots grown in the U.S.?
About 95% of U.S. apricots are grown in California.
When are fresh apricots in season?
In the U.S., fresh apricots are in season from about May to July.
Why are some dried apricots brown?
Unsulfured dried apricots turn brown; sulfur dioxide keeps others bright orange.
Are apricot kernels safe to eat?
No. Apricot kernels can contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide, so they should be avoided.