*The apricot is the fruit of the tree, Prunus armeniaca.

*Apricots are small, yellowish orange fruits with a red tinge on one side, and look very similar to peaches.

*The skin of the fruit is thin and velvety, flesh is yellowish orange, smooth and moderately sweet, with a musky flavor and a hard stone at the centre.

*Apricots are believed to have been originated in Central Asia and China.

*Dried apricots are seeded apricots dehdrated to remove the moisture.

*Commercially prepared dried apples are treated with sulphur to extend their shelf life and also to make them look brighter.

*Buying and storage: Select good quality dried apricots, unsulphured and organic if possible. Store in an airtight container or zip-lock bag at room temperature. Keep well for several week.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, unsulphured dried apricots are raw, but look dull orange or light brown in color.
*No, because dried apricots are sometimes treated with sulphur as a perservative, and they look very bright orange in color. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Dried apricots are low in calories, fat and sodium and high in carbohydrartes, dietary fiber and minerals.

2. Moderate source of magnesium. It helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.

3. Low sodium and high potassium help maintain normal blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension.

4. Moderate source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes that are needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.

5. Moderate source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy and antioxidants defenses.

6. Moderate source of minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and selenium, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.

7. Moderate but significant amounts of B-group vitamins like thiamine, riboflavine, niacin, Vitamin B6 and folic acid that are essential for the body.

8. Good source of dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc.

9. Apricots have a mild laxative property and so are also used to relieve constipation.