Apricots

Although often thought of as a "subtropical" fruit, the Apricot is actually native to a continental climate region with cold winters, although it can grow in Mediterranean climates very well. The tree is slightly more cold-hardy than the peach, tolerating winter temperatures as cold as −30 °C. The trees do need some winter cold (even if minimal) to grow properly and do well in Mediterranean locations. The dry climate of these areas is best for good fruit production.

Apricot cultivars are most often grafted on plum or peach rootstocks. A cutting of an existing apricot plant provides the fruit characteristics such as flavour, size, etc., but the rootstock provides the growth characteristics of the plant. Apricots and plums can hybridize with each other and produce fruit that are variously called pluots, plumcots, or apriums.

Research shows that apricots have very high levels of carotenoids compared to other fruits. Carotenoids are antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce "bad cholesterol" levels, and protect against cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, apricots are considered helpful in regenerating body fluids, detoxifying, and quenching thirst.

2 fresh whole fruit will count as 1 of your 5 a day.

Varieties

Typical varieties:

• Jumbo Cot – Orange velvety skin with pink/red blush and orange flesh.
• Sweet Cot – Orange velvety skin with pink/red blush and orange flesh.
• Hargrant – Orange velvety skin with pink/red blush and orange flesh.
• Goldencot – Orange velvety skin with pink/red blush and orange flesh.

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