An apricot is a fruit or a tree that bears the fruit, of several species in the genus Prunus. Usually, an apricot is from the species P. armeniaca, but the fruits of the other species in Prunus sect. Armeniaca are also called apricots. Apricots are drupes (fruit that contains a single seed) like mangoes, plums, cherries, and peaches.
The colour of the fruit varies from orange to orange-red, with some varieties being greenish-white to cream-white.
Apricot is rich in carbohydrates and is a great source of minerals, fibres, and vitamins. Apricot kernels are also being used in Chinese medicine for cough, constipation, and asthma.
Apricot has a high nutritional content in terms of proteins (8%), sugars (greater than 60%), crude fat (2%), vitamins- A, C, K, and B-complex, total minerals (4%), crude fibre (11.50%), and a fair percentage of organic acids (malic and citric acid). Apricots have been reported to have anti-cancer potential.
Apricots are safe to eat raw. A person should wash the fruit first, then slice it in half and take out the stone.
Dried and fresh apricots are tasty additions to yoghurt or porridge, for either breakfast or a snack.