Apricot
Family Rosaceae
Prunus armeniaca, the apricot, is a small tree, 6-9 m tall (P. armeniaca 2), with simple leaves and white flowers. The fruit is a drupe, variable in size, shape, tenderness and colour, which ranges from yellow to deep orange (P. armeniaca 1). The apricot is rich in vitamin A.
Distribution and use
The apricot is a native of China, where it has been cultivated for 4000 years. At the beginning of the Christian era the apricot was introduced into the Mediterranean region and in the Middle Ages it spread into northern Europe. At the beginning of the 18th century it was taken to northern America. Today the apricot is cultivated in all regions with a suitable climate.
The edible part of the apricot is the fleshy mesocarp of the fruit, which is eaten fresh, or made into jam, or preserved by canning or drying. From the seeds an oil is extracted, which is used for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. The distillate is used in liqueur (maraskino).