APRICOTS, DICED (F14)

Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) were domesticated in China and are now cultivated on every continent except Antarctica. Archaeological evidence shows that apricots were eaten in ancient Armenia. They were also known in ancient Greece and Rome. They were first introduced to North America by Spanish missionaries in the early 18th century. In 2011, the top five producers of apricots were Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkey Italy, and Algeria. Apricots are a stone fruit, closely related to peaches, cherries, plums, and almonds. They contain a large, flat pit within which is the seed. Apricots are similar in shape to peaches but smoother and smaller with a sweeter, mellower flavor. The flesh is typically a golden yellow color.