Apricots are a small stone fruit with smooth skin and a taste ranging from tart to sweet.
There are many different species of apricot, including the common apricot, Japanese apricot, Briancon apricot, Siberian apricot, Manchurian apricot, and Zhenghe apricot.
Apricot trees grow to a height of around 10 metres (33 feet).
It is believed that apricots were first domesticated in China and Central Asia.
Apricot and plum hybrids include purple apricots, plumcots, pluots, apriums and apriplums.
Apricot kernels contain a poisonous compound called amygdalin which can cause sickness if consumed.
The annual production of apricots worldwide is around 4 million tonnes. Countries that produce large amounts include Turkey, Uzbekistan, Italy, Iran and Algeria.
The national fruit of Armenia is the apricot.
Apricots are popular in jams, liqueurs and various forms of baking.
Apricots are made up of approximately 86% water, 11% carbohydrates, 1% protein and a small amount of fat.
Apricots contain around 9 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Roughly 14 grams per cup.
Apricots contain around 48 calories per 100 grams.
Dried apricots contain around 53 grams of sugar and 241 calories per 100 grams. They also have a higher concentration of nutrients such as potassium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin E.
