Apricots are a member of the plum family and their origin is uncertain, but they have been grown in Armenia for over 6,000 years. Organic apricots are grown without herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and are more expensive due to the extra labor involved. They are an excellent source of carotenoids and vitamin A. Apricots are usually dried and the organic apricot kernel can be used as a substitute for almonds and for medicinal purposes.
The apricot, or Prunus armeniaca, is a member of the plum family. Its origin is uncertain, but the apricot has been grown for so long in Armenia that it is believed to have originated from the area. An organic apricot is an apricot that has been grown and harvested without the use of herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. More labor is involved in growing organic fruit, such as manually removing insects than spraying with synthetic pesticides, so organic apricots are generally more expensive than apricots that have been grown with the use of chemicals.
The seeds of the ancient apricot, harvested for at least 6,000 years, have been discovered in archaeological excavations of the Shengavit and Garni temple in Armenia. The Spanish conquerors brought the apricot to the American continent to populate the many Spanish orchards along the Pacific coast. Today, nearly 95 percent of all apricots produced in the United States come from sunny California orchards. Apricots are grown in all parts of the world, preferring a continental climate with cold winters. Türkiye and Iran are the leaders in world apricot production.
The demand for organic apricots and other organic food products has increased significantly over the years. Synthetic pesticides and other toxic chemicals were largely introduced in the early 20th century as a means to improve the food industry. The thoughtless use of chemicals, however, has been shown to have long-lasting and ecological health risks. Thin-skinned fruits such as apricots absorb chemicals. The rise of organic farming was developed to meet the growing consumer demand for healthy, clean and toxic-free foods.
Organic apricot is an excellent source of carotenoids and vitamin A, which are essential nutrients for maintaining the immune system and healthy skin, preventing heart disease, protecting against cancer, and improving night vision. Organic apricots can be enjoyed fresh, dried or cooked. Fresh organic apricots do not store or travel well and are best when used within a few days of harvesting. Cooking with apricots is very similar to cooking with fruits such as nectarines or peaches. Canned organic apricots may even taste better than fresh, because canned apricots typically are left on the tree longer to ripen.
Apricots are usually dried, due to the fresh fruit’s propensity for death. Egyptians add sweetener to fried apricots and use them for an apricot-flavored drink called amar al din. The organic apricot kernel is very sweet and is used as a substitute for almonds, as cooking oil and for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Scientific studies on organic apricot seeds show that they may offer a treatment for prostate cancer and other cancers.
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