In our opinion, the apricot is a fruit that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It seems to always have to take a backseat to apples, oranges, peaches, and the other popular fruits that people regularly enjoy. Fortunately, more and more people are beginning to take notice of this fruit, so we think that it will eventually work its way into the position of prestige that it deserves. Until then, we can all help the apricot’s inevitable rise to greatness by taking the time to observe National Apricot Day on January 9th.

The History Of National Apricot Day

It’s an unfortunate fact that we were unable to uncover the history of this holiday, although we’re reasonably sure that it probably was founded by the apricot industry. After all, when this holiday was founded around 2002 or 2003, the apricot industry had been facing a decline in production for a couple of years. It seems to us a holiday dedicated to the apricot could’ve been a great way to begin a campaign to revitalize the image of the apricot.

Some Juicy Apricot Facts To Enjoy

If you’re looking for some facts to go along with your juicy apricot, then you might want to enjoy the following bits of trivia we’ve gleaned from the Internet while we were researching this holiday.

• Approximately 95% of the apricots in the U.S. are produced in California.
• Apricot trees will produce fruit for approximately 20 to 25 years.
• Apricots have been cultivated by humans for over 4,000 years.
• Apricots are relatives of peaches.
• Apricots and peaches are both members of the rose family.
• Other members of the rose family include plums, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
• Apricot trees can grow anywhere from 12 to 15 feet high.
• Apricots should be stored at room temperature until ripe.

Observing National Apricot Day

National Apricot Day can be enjoyed by eating an apricot. Although apricots aren’t in season from early May through July, there are always canned apricots that can be enjoyed all year round. Plus, there’s a variety of goods made with apricots that you can also enjoy. While enjoying your apricots, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalApricotDay on your social media accounts to spread the word of this holiday and to help elevate the apricot to the position of prestige it deserves.