National Apricot Day

National Apricot Day is celebrated annually on January 9. This food holiday honors the small, golden stone fruit known for its velvety skin and sweet-tart flavor profile. While fresh apricots are traditionally a summer fruit in North America, this winter observance encourages the consumption of dried and preserved varieties alongside fresh imports from the Southern Hemisphere.

History of National Apricot Day

The history of the apricot began in China approximately 4,000 years ago, where the fruit was first domesticated in the mountains. It traveled along the Silk Road through Central Asia to the Mediterranean, eventually becoming a staple in Persian and Greek cultures. The name is derived from the Latin word “praecox,” which translates to “early ripening,” referring to the fruit’s habit of maturing sooner than most other summer stone fruits.

Spanish explorers and missionaries introduced apricots to the Americas in the 18th century, planting the first trees in California. By the late 1700s, commercial orchards began to flourish in the region’s Mediterranean-like climate. Today, the San Joaquin Valley in California remains the primary production hub for the United States, providing roughly 95 percent of the country’s domestic apricot crop.

Why is National Apricot Day important?

This holiday highlights the nutritional density of a fruit that is often overshadowed by peaches and plums. Apricots are a potent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which support immune function and eye health. A single serving provides a significant portion of the recommended daily intake of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and promotes healthy skin.

Economically, the day brings attention to the specialized labor required to maintain apricot orchards. Because the trees are delicate and the fruit is highly perishable, farmers must use specific pruning and harvesting techniques to ensure a successful yield. The observance also promotes culinary diversity by showcasing the fruit’s ability to enhance both sweet desserts and savory Middle Eastern or North African dishes.

• It emphasizes the health benefits of high beta-carotene levels
• It supports the domestic fruit industry in the San Joaquin Valley
• It educates the public on the journey of the fruit from ancient China
• It encourages the use of heart-healthy and sodium-free snacks
• It highlights the fruit as a versatile ingredient for year-round cooking

How to Celebrate National Apricot Day

Celebrating involves incorporating the fruit into meals throughout the day. Breakfast can include apricot preserves on toast or dried pieces mixed into oatmeal and yogurt. For lunch or dinner, apricots provide a balanced sweetness when added to chicken tagines or pork roasts. Many participants use the day to bake traditional tarts, kuchens, or muffins that feature the fruit as the central ingredient.

Education is another key component of the observance. Individuals can research different varieties, such as the Blenheim or Tilton, to understand their varying flavor profiles and textures. For those living in appropriate climates, planting an apricot tree serves as a long-term way to observe the holiday. Supporting local markets and purchasing high-quality dried apricots also ensures the continued success of the fruit industry.

• Eat three fresh or dried apricots as a healthy afternoon snack
• Bake a classic apricot tart or a batch of jam-filled cookies
• Mix diced dried apricots into a winter salad with goat cheese
• Try a recipe for Moroccan lamb tagine that uses whole apricots
• Share a photo of an apricot-based dish to spread awareness

National Apricot Day Dates Table