History of Dried Apricot
The apricot fruit grows on small trees with a dense, spreading canopy that can produce fruits for up to twenty-five years. The fruit was independently domesticated three times; twice in Central Asia, and once in China, but its origin is disputed. It was known in Armenia during ancient times, and has been cultivated there for so long that it is often thought to have originated there. However, other sources say it was first cultivated in either India or China. Alexander the Great then introduced the apricot to Greece.
In England during the 17th century, apricot oil was used in herbalism treatments to act against swelling. The Chinese associate the apricot with education and medicine. In 2016, the top five producers of apricots were Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, Algeria and Italy. The apricot is now cultivated on every continent except Antarctica.
Apricots have been cultivated in Central Asia for centuries, and the dried fruit was an important commodity on the Silk Road. Dried apricots are treated with sulfur dioxide turning their colour to a vivid orange. They usually don’t have any sugar added to them and have a low glycemic index.
Apricots contain lots of nutrients and carries plenty of health benefits:
- Apricots do not contain saturated fat, sodium, or cholesterol.
- One apricot has only 17 calories, and contains lots of Vitamin C.
- The fruit contains iron and reduces bad cholesterol content in our bodies.
- The antioxidants in apricots help to maintain good skin as they have anti-aging properties and help in faster cell regeneration.
- Apricots are very hydrating as they are naturally high in water content, which can help regulate blood pressure, body temperature, joint health and heart rate.
- They also contain an abundance of calcium which helps to maintain healthy bones.
- Dried apricots are an important source of Vitamin A, which aids eye health, and potassium which maintains heart muscles. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin E and iron.
- The high fibre levels in dried apricots benefits digestion.
Apricot Nutrition Value
| Energy kJ | 1204 kJ/100g |
|---|---|
| Energy kcal | 285 kcal/100g |
| Fats | 0,0g/100g |
| Of which saturated fatty acids | 0,0g/100g |
| Carbohydrates | 59,1g/100g |
| Of which sugars | 59,9g/100g |
| Protein | 5,0g/100g |
| Salt | 0,064g/100g |
Ingredients
Apricots, Preservative (E220) (SULPHITE)
General Information about Apricots
The apricot is the national fruit of Armenia, mostly grown in the Ararat plain, and is often depicted on souvenirs. In Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, apricots are used to make Qamar al-Din meaning ‘Moon of the Religion’, a thick apricot drink that is a popular fixture at Iftar during Ramadan. Egyptians usually dry apricots, add sweetener, and then use them to make a drink called amar al-dīn. Now, fresh and dried apricots are often added to granola, yoghurts and salads, jams and salsas, and cakes and pies.
Stuck for what to gift to friends or family? Walnut Tree has a wide variety of gift trays, boxes and baskets hand filled with dried or glace apricots such as our exclusive on-line award winning glace fruit basket or apricots half dipped in dark chocolate, or dried fruit gift selection trays.
Walnut Tree Gifts
Read more about us, our story, the Great Taste Awards we’ve won and why we have a passion for superior tasting gifts and snacks.
Walnut Tree Gifts is one of the UK’s leading packers of superior quality dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. We’ve been working in partnership with high-quality retailers since 1995. We are privileged to supply prestigious London stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops with corporate or Walnut Tree custom made gifts.
We’re the only company with Great Taste Awards for marron glacé, glacé fruit, dark chocolate ginger and pate de fruit, so you’re never more than a click away from some delicious delicacies. The website is open 24/7. We will dispatch your order within 48 hours.
All gifts purchased include a complimentary gift bag and card. Choosing a meaningful gift can be difficult – we’re always happy to offer advice. Call or email us. We pride ourselves on our excellent service.
You’ll be delighted to know that as you’re buying directly from the source, you’ll be getting excellent value for your money. And if you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it.
This year, Walnut Tree is supporting Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit and nuts for the care packages they distribute to patients in hospitals throughout London. www.futuredreams.org.uk