The Chinese associate the apricot with education and medicine
Australian Aborigines have used apricots as an aphrodisiac
In the 1980s the National Cancer Institute declared that laetrile which is made from Apricot seeds is an ineffectivce treatment for cancer
The beta-carotene found in apricots is believed to play a critical role in fighting disease
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur which contrary to popular belief, is flavoured with an extract of apricot seeds rather than almonds.
Average apricot trees rise to 12-15 feet tall and produce fruit for 20-25 years
The harvest period typically begins in May and ends in early July
Like bitter almonds, apricot kernels are poisonous until roasted
There are approximately 272 apricot producers in the state of Washington.
Based on the total number of apricot producers (272), the most recent three-year average fresh apricot production of 3,975 tons (Apricot Committee records), and the most recent three-year average producer price of $355 per ton as reported by National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), average annual revenue per producer from the sale of apricots is approximately $5,188. In addition, based on Apricot Committee records and 2003 f.o.b. prices ranging from $10.50 to $12.50 per 24-pound container as reported by USDA’s Market News Service (MNS), the entire Washington apricot industry handles less than $5,000,000 worth of apricots. Based on this, the majority of the apricot producers and handlers may be classified as small entities.