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See also: Article on Apricots

APRICOTS

Fruits-Apricots Henri Du Monceau 10 in x 12 in Buy This Art Print At AllPosters.com

The apricot, a native of China, has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Today close to 90% of world production is in the U.S., most of that in California

Average apricot trees rise to 12-15 feet tall and produce fruit for 20-25 years

Apricots originally came from China. This golden fruit has been around for more than 4,000 years. Apricots progressively made their way through the Persian Empire to the Mediterranean where they were fondly adopted. Spanish explorers introduced the apricot to the New World, and they were planted in the gardens of Spanish missions all over California. The first recorded major production of apricots in America was in 1792 south of San Francisco.

In Latin, apricot means 'precious,' a label earned because it ripens earlier than other summer fruits. A relative of the peach, the apricot is smaller and has a smooth, oval pit that falls out easily when the fruit is halved.

In the United States, 95% of apricots grow in the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of northern California.
CDC.gov - Nutrition & Physical Activity

California harvested 77,300 tons of apricots in 2003.