National Apricot Day, celebrated on January 9, honors the small yet mighty apricot, a fruit known for its sweet-tart flavor, golden-orange color, and nutritional benefits. Apricots, part of the Rosaceae family (related to peaches and plums), are believed to have originated in India or China around 3000 B.C. They spread across Asia and Europe before making their way to the Americas in the 17th century, thanks to Spanish missionaries. Today, the United States grows many commercial varieties of apricots, with California and Washington being top producers.
Apricots, whether fresh or dried, are nutritional powerhouses. They’re rich in vitamins A and E, which support immune function, promote healthy vision, and provide antioxidants that protect cells. Dried apricots, in particular, offer a concentrated source of vitamin A and iron, which helps in forming red blood cells to improve oxygen transport throughout the body.
Apricots are also versatile in the kitchen. They’re delicious on their own, but they shine in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory—from salads and rice dishes to classic apricot tarts, pies, and homemade jams.
This National Apricot Day, consider adding apricots to your diet for a boost of nutrients and flavor!
When Is National Apricot Day Celebrated?
National Apricot Day is celebrated every year on January 9th, giving us a chance to enjoy this delicious fruit. If you want to plan ahead and mark the date, here’s when National Apricot Day will take place in the coming years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | January 9, Thursday |
| 2026 | January 9, Friday |
| 2027 | January 9, Saturday |
| 2028 | January 9, Sunday |
| 2029 | January 9, Monday |
| 2030 | January 9, Wednesday |
Fun Facts About Apricots
Apricots have been around for thousands of years, and their journey from ancient cultivation to modern kitchens is filled with fascinating details. From their name’s unique meaning to the surprising uses of their kernels, these fun facts will give you even more reasons to appreciate apricots:
- Apricots are believed to have been first cultivated in China before spreading to the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions.
- In Latin, apricot means “early ripe” as the fruit matures earlier than many other summer fruits.
- California produces over 85% of the apricots grown in the United States.
- Apricot kernels, found inside the stone, contain amygdalin, which some believe can be processed into a natural remedy, though it is toxic in high amounts.
How to Celebrate National Apricot Day
National Apricot Day offers a perfect opportunity to explore the many delicious ways to enjoy apricots. From trying new recipes to enjoying apricots in their simplest form, here are a few ideas to make the most of this day dedicated to all things apricot:
- Enjoy fresh apricots: If you can find them, try some fresh apricots and appreciate their natural flavor. Their balance of sweet and tart makes them perfect on their own or added to salads and desserts.
- Cook with apricots: Dried apricots can add a delicious twist to savory dishes, such as chicken or pork. You can also bake them into cakes, pies, or cookies for a seasonal treat.
- Try apricot jam: Spread some apricot jam on toast, add it to yogurt, or use it as a glaze for your favorite roast.
- Discover dried apricots: These make a great on-the-go snack and can be easily incorporated into trail mixes, granola, or baked goods.
- Create an apricot-inspired recipe: Whether it’s an apricot tart or a savory apricot-glazed chicken, try your hand at a recipe featuring this versatile fruit.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
