Historically apricots have been grown in Britain in the walled gardens and glass houses of the gentry. But an expanding industry in Kent and the Isle of Wight now counts its harvest in hundreds of tons. One farm alone has 5, trees. It's not a great year for apricots in Europe. The trees like a clear distinction between winter cold and a warm growing season. A mild winter, as in this year, means growth continues later and can then be struck by frosts.
Italy, France and Spain are all reporting a reduced harvest. By contrast Turkey is expecting a bumper crop. Turkey is by far the worlds biggest producer harvesting over three quarters of a million tons each year. Second is Iran with just under half a million tons and third Uzbekistan. There are now almost 40 nations around the globe which annually produce more than 10, tons.
In California growers are complaining of competition from lower-priced production elsewhere in the world as the US has fallen to 18th place in the international growing league with a harvest figure of just 55, tons. All of these interesting facts aside, the health benefits of eating apricots could not be more apparent and they do make a delicious snack or ingredient, check out the range of soft apricots or chopped apricots available at Grape Tree.
Home Blog Blog Ten things you should know about Apricots. Ten things you should know about Apricots. March 01, The origins of apricots are lost in time Apricots have been a valued food for so long that just where and when they were first domesticated are facts lost in time. Apricots are a recommended health food Obviously dried apricots count as one of your five a day.
Apricots are a great source of fibre Apricots are a great source of fibre the element in our diet which most of us neglect yet which can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and some cancers. Apricots contain carotene - a form of vitamin A Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the structure and function of the skin and mucous membranes.
Apricots help our bodies absorb vitamin C Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body and we therefore need to eat it every day. The Mathison family owns and operates Stemilt Growers, and proudly grows, packs, and ships the best apples, pears, cherries, and summer fruits for you and your family to enjoy. Apples Cherries Pears Summer Fruit. Apples Pears Cherries Summer Fruit. Apples Pears Cherries Summer Fruits. They can very well be a part of a diabetes diet.
And the fiber they contain can regulate blood sugar levels. The fruit is also rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant that improves blood sugar levels. According to a Spanish study, nuts and dried fruits make for a healthy addition to a diabetes diet.
Apricots, being dried fruits, undoubtedly serve this purpose 1. Not just the fruit, but the seeds have also been found to be effective in relieving inflammation. In fact, one animal study states how apricot seed oil extract protected against ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease 2.
According to a report by the Arthritis Foundation, apricots are rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, a chemical that can prevent osteoarthritis and other inflammatory forms of arthritis 3.
The magnesium in the fruit can also ease inflammatory pain. Regular fruit intake has been linked to a reduced risk of vision loss.
But more importantly, apricots are rich in carotenoids and xanthophylls — nutrients that researchers believe can prevent age-related vision ailments. And they also contain vitamin A, another important nutrient for the eyes.
Also called retinol, it prevents age-related macular degeneration. As per studies, topical application of apricot kernel extract can reduce dry eyes by stimulating tear production 4. As per studies, apricots can protect against liver damage and ease the symptoms of fatty liver disease accumulation of fat in the liver 5.
More interestingly, organic apricots were found to be effective in promoting liver regeneration 6. The potassium in the fruit can lower blood pressure levels and can hence prevent heart attacks. And the fiber in the fruit lowers cholesterol levels and prevents heart-related diseases like atherosclerosis.
The fiber makes it obvious — it can keep us full for long periods, and this definitely contributes to healthy weight loss.
There is another bit of science attached to this — the nutrients in apricots stimulate certain brain cells called tanycytes that make us feel full and control our appetite.
Apricots are also rich in calcium, the mineral important for bone development and health. More importantly, potassium is also important for the proper absorption and uniform distribution of calcium — and apricots are rich in potassium too.
Studies also show that apricots can reverse bone loss and even alter bone metabolism in postmenopausal women 7. Apricots are also good sources of iron, which helps treat anemia. Iron improves hemoglobin production, and this enhances the quality of blood as well. Apricots are highly nutritious, and this is reason enough to consume them during pregnancy.
They are also rich in iron and copper, two particularly important nutrients during pregnancy. In addition to being chock full of vitamins and nutrients, apricots are also known for improving eye health and digestion. Apricots are more than just delicious.
This delicious fruit also offers tons of health benefits. When you combine dried apricots with nuts, your body benefits from the slower gastric emptying rate that nuts promote. Apricots are also an excellent source of potassium , which plays a role in reducing blood pressure. When you combine those two factors with the anti-inflammatory polyphenols found in apricots, you benefit from a cumulative benefit for your heart health.
Since apricots are full of phytonutrients that serve as antioxidant, adding apricots to your diet can play a huge role in your overall antioxidant-rich meal plan. We have a lot of control over the health of our skin. Skin damage is caused primarily by environmental factors like pollution, the sun, and cigarette smoke.
Also, scientific studies have shown a direct link between UV light exposure and your risk of developing the deadly skin cancer known as mel a noma.
By following best practices and better safety measures, you can reduce the harmful effects of these environmental factors on your skin. You can help your skin fight off some of this damage by consuming a healthy diet with plenty of antioxidants, which is where apricot nutrition comes into play. Apricots are a significant source of powerful antioxidants, and the vitamins C and E found in apricots may also help your skin. Notably, vitamin C specifically helps your skin build collagen, giving you more skin elasticity and strength.
By default, skin with more elasticity will usually have fewer wrinkles. Consuming plenty of beta carotene like that found in apricots may help protect against the risk of sunburn. Because of the significant dietary fiber found in apricots, this fruit offers significant gut health benefits. Furthermore, dietary fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria that are present in the gut.
There is data that suggests that apricots may offer protection from oxidative stress for your liver. A rodent study indicated that rats fed apricots and alcohol have decreased liver enzymes and inflammatory markers. Quercetin is a flavonoid that can be found in several different fruits, including apricots.
Apricots are rich in potent antioxidants called flavonoids that go a long way toward fighting the free radicals that we all have in our bodies. Like other orange vegetables and fruits, apricots owe their rich color to beta carotene. Beta carotene is a specific form of vitamin A that is commonly associated with helping to prevent age-related macular degeneration.
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