California Apricots

Mike Stephens

News Reporter

The California Apricot, one of nature’s nutritional powerhouses but is also the leader of apricot production in the United States. Over 300 growers in California, covering 17,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley, produce over 95% of the apricots grown in the United States.

Most apricot farms in California are small, family-owned businesses that pride themselves on growing one of California’s most prized specialty crops. This small, delicate fruit not only packs a powerful punch of nutrients, but is also extremely versatile due to its sweet, tart flavor, variety of menu uses, and the variety of ways it is produced, packaged and sold.

California apricots are packed with vitamins and nutrients that can provide numerous health benefits. Tiny, but mighty, apricots fulfill a wide range of nutritional needs and are easy to pack as snacks, whether fresh or dried.

The powerful antioxidants found in apricots help protect the body from free radical activity and damage to cells and DNA.

Apricots are also a good source of vitamin C and a great source of vitamin A. The beta carotene found in apricots is now considered by many studies to play a positive role in cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. They help prevent oxidation to LDL cholesterol and detoxify the blood.

Fruit like apricots, high in vitamin A and carotenoids, are now considered by many to help strengthen the eyes. One report stated that eating 3 or more servings of these fruits per day may help to prevent age related eye disease like macular degeneration.