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July 9, 2008
By Cheryl McCord
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The apricot was first cultivated in China in about 3000 BC. Apricots were brought
along the Silk Road to Armenia and the Persian Empire. Alexander the Great introduced
apricots to Greece and they made their way to countries of the Mediterranean. The
apricot flourished and the dried commodity was important on trade routes of these
areas.
The earliest plantings of apricots reported in the US were by English settlers in
Virginia, but the temperate eastern climate was not ideal. The Spanish explorers
get credit for introducing the apricot to the New World. Apricot seedlings were
planted in the gardens of Spanish missions. The first major production of apricots
was recorded in 1792 in an area south of San Francisco.
Today, the world’s largest producer of apricots is Turkey with about 18 percent
of the total followed by Iran, Pakistan, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Japan.
The US accounts for 3 percent of the world production. California produces about
95 percent of the US commercial crop. Washington and Utah are also large producing
states.
Fresh apricots are now available at the Kuna Farmers Market from Shoemaker Orchard
near Lake Lowell. The extraordinarily flavorful Royal Orange and Perfection varieties
are at their best.
The apricots are picked slightly firm. To ripen firm fruit, hold at room temperature
or place in a paper bag with an apple or a banana. Ripe fruit should be refrigerated.
Apricots can be enjoyed fresh, simply alone or in cereals or salads. They make a
flavorful addition to stuffing and sauces for chicken or pork dishes. Desserts such
as apricot pie and ice cream are always hits. Apricots can be dried and eaten as
snacks all year. Apricot jam with pineapple is also a favorite.
Stop by the Market and pick up apricots to enjoy at the peak of the season. Also,
visit the Kuna Grange Bake Sale for home-baked goodies.
The Market hours are 9 am to noon. The Market location is at Sandstone Plaza at
the west end of Main Street. For more information, contact Cheryl McCord at 922-5113
or visit the website at
www.KunaFarmersMarket.com.
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