Apple and Apricot Month takes place in January every year. The apricot is a small tree, which is between 26 feet and 39 feet tall, with a trunk up to 16 inches in diameter and a dense canopy. The apricot leaves are ovate, growing between two to 3.5 inches long, and 1.6 to 3.1 inches wide, having a rounded base, and a pointed tip. The apricot fruit is similar to a small peach, ranging between yellow and orange, usually with a red tinge on the side with most exposure to sunlight. The surface of the fruit can be smooth (or glabrous in botanical terms) or pubescent. The apple, on the other hand, is a very known fruit. It comes from the Malus domestica tree and is the most cultivated tree fruit in the entire world. Apples are a fleshy fruit, ranging between the colors red, green or yellow.
History of Apple and Apricot Month
The apple originated from the Rosaceae, the Rose family. It was a very popular fruit in Kazakhstan and China, where it was regarded and consumed as a wild fruit. The apple gained notoriety as a ‘power food’ and began to make its way into Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.The story of an apple orchard being exchanged for a herd of sheep is recorded on a stone tablet found in Mesopotamia and dates back as far as 1500 B.C. Europeans introduced apple stock to Virginia and Southwest, and John Chapman, who in later years came to be known as Johnny Appleseed, was known for planting apple trees throughout the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. As time passed, more people discovered the various facts about apple fruit nutrition, leading to a flourishing multi-billion dollar fruit industry. Apples have a huge cultural and mythological significance to human history. According to Christian tradition, in the story of the Garden of Eden, the Forbidden fruit is depicted to be an Apple. In this biblical story, Eve insisted that Adam share an apple with her, which happened to be a forbidden fruit, as it was plucked from a tree that they were to avoid. Since then, the apple has been seen as a symbol of temptation, knowledge, and sin. In ancient Greece, the apple was considered to be sacred to Aphrodite, and throwing an Apple at someone meant falling in love with them.The apricot, which is now present in almost every continent, was originally domesticated in China. They were very popular in the Armenian region, and the best climate for the fruit’s maturation is a dry one. In the last few years, top producers of the apricot include Turkey, Uzbekistan and Italy.
Apple and Apricot Month timeline
A tablet containing the story of an apple being exchanged for a herd of sheep is found in Mesopotamia dating back to this time.
John Chapman, later known as Johnny Appleseed for planting apple trees across several states, is born.
Apricots first make their appearance in Virginia.
Apricots begin to gain popularity in North America.
Apple and Apricot Month FAQs
What is a good combination with apples?
You can try to combine apples with several other ingredients and dishes. Try them with a cheese dish, squash, or even with some pasta!
What is the difference between apples and apricots?
Apples and apricots both belong to the rose family or Rosaceae, but they have some nutritional differences. Apples have less vitamin A, vitamin C, and copper.
Are apricots healthy fruits?
Apricots are very healthy to consume as they protect the liver, are low in calories, and contain essential minerals and vitamins.
Apple and Apricot Month Activities
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Eat some apples
You know how they say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Imagine how many times you could keep the doctor away if you ate apples all through January!
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Make apple-flavored drinks
Apple juice seems like the easiest example to consider, but you can mix things up with an apple-apricot smoothie and enjoy the tasty goodness! Use your creativity to find new and delicious drinks with these two fruits.
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Share on social media
Share your recipes and pictures of you enjoying apples and apricots on social media with the #AppleAndApricotsMonth hashtag. Your posts can include the fruits themselves, their trees, or even dishes and drinks you made using them.
5 Facts About Apples And Apricots
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Apples are high in fiber
Apples have a very high nutritional value, and they are especially high in fiber.
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Apples can reduce the risk of cancer
Apples are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of any kind of cancer in us humans.
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Apricots have existed for a long time
Apricots have been around for as long as 4,000 years.
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Apricots produce fruit for decades
Apricots generally produce fruit for 20 to 25 years before they can no longer produce fruit.
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The rose family
Apples and apricots both belong to the rose family of Rosaceae.
Why We Love Apple and Apricot Month
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They have a high nutritional value
Apples are of high nutritional value. We love a fruit that keeps us healthy!
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They are tasty
Apples and apricots are really tasty. This, coupled with the nutritional value they provide, makes us love them even more.
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There are several varieties
There are thousands of apples grown in the United States alone. We can have fun trying different varieties!
Apple and Apricot Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 2 | Monday |
| 2024 | January 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | January 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 1 | Friday |
