Ancient Greeks called them “golden eggs of the sun.” But the name apricot comes from the Latin praecocium (precocious), a reference to their early ripening.
Lovely and Temperate
Related to the plum, apricot trees grew wild in China thousands of years ago. Once cultivated, they made their way westward through India to Europe, then on to the New World. Today, they're grown in temperate climates worldwide.
Picked at Their Prime
Unlike some fruits that actually finish ripening at the market, apricots do not continue to ripen after they've been picked. So when choosing apricots at the market, look for firm, fresh, ripe fruit. They're best in June and July.
Savoring the Sun's Golden Egg
A relatively fragile fruit, fresh apricots are terrific dessert fruits (popular in pastries and cakes) or turned into preserves, juices, candied fruits and liqueurs. Dried apricots are wonderful as a healthy snack or grilled or stewed and enjoyed in savory dishes.