Nutritional Profile

Apricots provide 48 calories per 100gm; 0.4g fat, 1.4g of protein, 1mg of sodium, 259mg potassium and 11g of carbohydrates.

Interesting facts

· Apricots are a member of the rose family and are a relative of the peach.

· Refrigerating apricots will dramatically impair their ripening process. Leave them out at room temperature until they are ripe, then refrigerate them.

· Apricot trees will generally produce fruit for 20-25 years.

· Apricots originated in Asia more than 4,000 years ago, migrating to Persia and the Mediterranean before Spanish explorers brought them to the United States.

· In China, apricots were once called "moons of the faithful" and were thought to enhance women's fertility.

Health facts

· One apricot has only 17 calories and is an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium.

· Apricots are a great source of vitamin A, which aids in improving eye health.

· They do not contain saturated fat, sodium, or cholesterol.

· Apricot oil is good for skin care. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not keep it oily after it is applied.

· Fluid levels throughout the body are dependent mainly on two minerals, potassium and sodium. The high amounts of potassium in apricots have been linked to maintaining fluid balance in the body, and ensuring that energy is properly distributed to the right organs and muscles.