The apricot tree, which produces the apricot fruit, which is loved and eaten as fresh fruit on our tables in the middle of summer, as well as dried, compote, jam, marmalade, syrup, fruit juice, candy, fruit roll-up and dessert, is from the Rosaceae family. The apricot tree, which is stated in some sources to be of Chinese origin and in others to be the region where Armenians once lived in Eastern Anatolia, is grown in a wide geography extending from the Mediterranean basin countries to California and even Australia.
The branches of the tree, which grows 4-6 m. tall, grow spreading or vertical. Its green leaves resemble a heart shape. In spring, its pinkish-white large flowers bloom before the leaves. Its fruits, which start to ripen in July, are yellow-orange, have a single stone seed that is easily separated from the flesh, bitter or sweet, and its flesh is slightly sweet and pleasantly scented. The leading variety grown in our country is the Malatya (or Darende) apricot, which has great commercial importance with its fresh and dried varieties. Zerdali is the name given to the variety that is smaller in size and produces sourish sweet fruits.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
The nutritional values of 100 gr. fresh apricots are as follows: 51 calories; 1 gr. protein; 2.8 gr. carbohydrates; 0 cholesterol; 0.2 gr. fat; 0.6 gr. fiber; 23 mg. phosphorus; 17 mg. calcium; 281 mg. potassium: 12 mg. magnesium; 270 IU vitamin A: 0.03 mg. vitamin B1; 0.04 mg. vitamin B2; 0.6 mg. vitamin B3; 0.07 mg. vitamin B6; 10 mg. vitamin C; 0.5 mg. vitamin E and some folic acid…
BENEFITS TO OUR HEALTH
In addition to the important nutritional values listed above;
Apricots, which are very rich in beta-carotene, a source of vitamin A, reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, cataracts and some types of cancer. Apricots especially reduce the risk of lung cancer, and for this reason, smokers are advised to eat apricots.
Dried apricots are a food rich in potassium: 100 grams contains 1,080 mg of potassium. With this content, it reduces high blood pressure and regulates blood pressure.
Dried apricots also contain a high amount of soluble fiber: 100 grams of dried apricots regulate blood sugar with a high fiber content of 8 grams, while also being good for constipation in the intestines. It also reduces cholesterol levels.
Dried apricots contain high levels of iron: 100 grams contains a high level of iron, 4 mg. Therefore, it is good for anemia.
For all these reasons, experts recommend eating plenty of fresh or especially dried apricots.
