Posted on 01/09/2024 6:15:10 AM PST by Red Badger
NATIONAL APRICOT DAY
Apricot lovers from all over the United States observe National Apricot Day every year on January 9th.
#NationalAprcotDay
Related to the peach, the apricot's velvety flesh is quite similar. However, the texture of the golden-orange fruit is firmer, and the flavor more tart than its cousin's. Since we easily preserve the apricot, we enjoy this versatile fruit all year long - fresh, canned, and dried.
Apricots are found the world over but originated in northeastern China near the Russian border in ancient times. Later, the fruit was introduced to Europe and Armenia. The apricot found its way to North America when English colonists settled in Virginia. Apricots traveled further west when Spanish explorers and missionaries brought them on expeditions. This migration caused apricots to be grown commercially today.
The apricot tree can grow to 45 feet if left unpruned. It produces white, pink, or red blossoms and is a winter-hardy tree. However, early frosts can damage the fruit.
Fresh apricots pack in the nutrients. A 1 cup serving of apricot halves contains 60% of the daily allowance of Vitamin A and 26% of the daily allowance for Vitamin C. Other vitamins in this low-calorie snack include Vitamin B-6, Magnesium, Iron, and Calcium, and is also an excellent source of fiber.
With its unique flavor, the apricot is a versatile ingredient lending itself to both sweet and savory dishes. Perfect for snacking, apricots are the best fresh off the tree but are also found in markets year-round. Dried, they are delicious in healthy granola or a salad.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL APRICOT DAY
The best way to celebrate is by eating an apricot. Whether you enjoy preserves or bake up your favorite recipes, be sure to invite someone to enjoy it with you. We've even supplied delicious recipes for you to try.
Consider planting an apricot tree in the spring or exploring and learning about apricot growers in your area. Buying local, when possible, support the growers in your area.
Have some apricots and use #NationalApricotDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL APRICOT DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to explore the source of this fresh and naturally delicious holiday which has been observed since at least 2003.
Apricot FAQ
Q. Can apricots be added to baking?
A. Yes! Like many fruits, apricots add their own sweet flavor to many recipes.
Q. Is there an apricot ice cream?
A. You can find several recipes online for apricot ice cream. Which one will you chose?
Q. Where do apricots grow?
A. Since there are many varieties of apricots, there is one for every growing zone in the United States. However, late frosts can impact production in some areas.
Q. Can I dehydrate apricots?
A. Yes. When dried, apricots take on a chewy form. They are also available in grocery stores.
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January 9th Celebrated History
1793 A pioneering balloonist completes the first successful balloon flight in the United States. Ascending over a gathered crowd at the Walnut Street Prison in Philadelphia, French aeronaut Jean Pierre Blanchard demonstrates his hydrogen gas balloon.
1942 Joe Louis squares off in his 20th title defense at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He KOs Buddy Baer in the first round and retains his world heavyweight title.
2007 Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveils the first iPhone during his keynote session at the Macworld convention in San Francisco, CA.
January 9th Celebrated Birthdays
Carrie Chapman Catt - 1859
The suffragist and peace activist served as a powerful voice and offered information in an era of change for many women. In 1902, she founded the International Woman Suffrage Alliance. Catt later founded the Woman’s Peace Party. Her efforts along with other women in her lifetime and those before her led to the passage of the 19th amendment. In 1920, just before the amendment’s passage, Catt founded the League of Women Voters.
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney - 1875
In 1931, the notable American sculptor founded the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.
Richard Nixon - 1913
From 1953 to 1961, Nixon served the United States in the role of vice president. While campaigning with candidate Dwight Eisenhower in 1952, questions were raised about gifts Nixon prompting him to give the "Checkers" speech. Then in 1968, Nixon ran his second, and successful, run for president. He became the 37th President of the United States. While he brought Americans home from Vietnam, the Watergate scandal resulted in Nixon submitting the first-ever resignation of a U.S. president.
Earl G. Graves Sr. - 1935
In 1970, Graves founded Black Enterprise magazine. He also served as Chairman and CEO of Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C. as well as the director of several boards. Graves was also a champion of education.
Joan Baez - 1941
The folk singer-songwriter gained a strong following during the 1960s. Her political activism drew many to her at a time when activism was growing. Some of her best-known songs include "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" and "Diamonds and Rust."
Apricot Ping!......................
January 9
1793 – The first hot-air balloon flight in the U.S. lifts off in Philadelphia, piloted by Jean Pierre Blanchard. He flew to an altitude of over one mile and traveled more than 15 miles.
1861 – The Union merchant vessel Star of the West is fired upon at Ft. Sumter in South Carolina in the first hostile act of Civil War.
1903 – Frank Farrell and Bill Devery purchase the American League Baltimore baseball team franchise for $18,000 and move the team to New York City. The team was renamed the Highlanders until 1913, then renamed the Yankees.
1942 – The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff positions are created. They include the chairman, vice chairman, and service chiefs of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and National Guard. The current chairman is Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
1956 – Abigail Van Buren’s “Dear Abby” column first appears in newspapers. Her real name was Pauline Phillips. Abby died in January 2013 at age 94. Her twin sister was columnist “Ann Landers,” who died in 2002 at age 83.
1979 – The Supreme Court strikes down a Pennsylvania law (by a 6-3 vote) requiring doctors performing an abortion to try to preserve lives of potentially viable fetuses.
1991 – Baseball officially bans Pete Rose from being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. “Charlie Hustle” was banned for betting on baseball games while he was a player and manager. Rose is now 82 years old.
2002 – Michael Jackson receives the Artist of the Century award at the American music awards. Jackson died in 2009 at age 50. Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for administering the drugs that killed Jackson. Murray served two years of his four-year sentence. Watch the award ceremony.
2007 – Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs announces the iPhone.
Delicious fruit, beautiful color, and it’s a word that just sounds beautiful when you say it.
When I lived in Southern CA decades ago I rented a house that had an apricot tree in the back yard.
Fresh apricots are to die for....like eating candy.
My scarf, it is apricot......................
I am a huge Carly Simon fan.....just an iconic song. An apricot tree.... bliss😊
I was wondering if anyone would get the reference...............👍😁....................
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