By Chloe Thompson
WebMD Magazine - Feature
Apricot Origins
Apricots originated in Asia more than 4,000 years ago, migrating to Persia and the Mediterranean before Spanish explorers brought them to the United States.
Apricot Calories
One apricot has only 17 calories.
Apricots and Fertility
In China, apricots were called "moons of the faithful" and were thought to enhance women's fertility.
Apricot Season
Fresh apricots are available year-round throughout North America. From May through August, varieties come primarily from California and Washington. The rest of the year they're likely from South America.
Apricot Vitamins
Apricots are an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium.
Apricot Family
The fruit is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family and is closely related to similar-looking peaches and plums.
Apricot's Name
In Latin, the apricot is called "praecocquum," which means "early-ripening peach."
Apricot Selection
To select ripe apricots, look for fruit with a rich, orange color -- not pale yellow or green -- that's a little soft to the touch.
Healthy Recipe: Apricot-Stuffed Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Makes 8 servings
ingredients
2 1-lb pork tenderloins
1 cup (about 7 oz) dried apricots, diced
1 tbsp grated orange rind
½ cup crumbled goat cheese**
3 tbsp fresh thyme, divided
¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
½ tsp salt
fresh ground pepper
cooking spray
2 tbsp apricot jam
¼ cup orange juice
1 tsp mustard
**can substitute blue or feta cheese
Directions
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and spray grill rack with cooking spray.
2. Slice pork in half lengthwise but not all the way through to create a flat piece of meat. Lightly pound pork to ½-inch thickness.
3. Combine apricots, orange rind, cheese, nuts, and 2 tbsp thyme for stuffing. Distribute stuffing on each piece of pork and roll up jelly-roll style lengthwise.
4. Secure stuffed pork with kitchen twine, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and coat with cooking spray.
5. Combine apricot jam, orange juice, mustard, and thyme to baste pork.
6. Grill pork for 25 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally with apricot sauce and turning once. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, discard twine, and slice.
Per serving: 252 calories, 27 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 84 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 286 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 37%.
source : 5 Fun Facts About Apricots, Recipe
