Apricot

The apricot is regarded as a nutritious & tonic food which enjoys world- wide popularity. The nut of the apricot is rich in Protein & fat. It contains 40 to 45 percent of oil, which is practically identical to almond oil.
Apricots help cure ailments like constipation, indigestion, anemia, fevers & skin diseases. To enjoy their benefits, store them in a cool & dry place.

Apricot History
Apricots are thought to be native of Armenia, from where they were brought to regions along the Silk Road, and it's been cultivated there since times so ancient they even precede the first writings. Most sources point out the fact that the botanical name is "armeniaca", which indicates its origins from Armenia.

In India, the first apricot cultivations date back to 3000 B.C. Alexander the Great is widely believed to have brought apricots to Greece, while the Roman general Lucullus is credited from bringing back apricot trees from Armenia to Rome. Romans began cultivating apricots about 100 BC, and they definitely knew apricots by 200 A.D. since the Roman food writer, Apicius, recorded recipes for them.

Persians were also aware of apricots, and the dried fruits were a widespread commodity on the Persian markets: today they are known as "Zard-alu", in Iran, where they make up a very important slice of the fruit market.

In literature there are many different references to the origin of apricots, which makes it very confusing to try and discern their real origin: Loudon (1838) wrote that apricots originated from a wide region including not only Armenia, but also China, Japan, Caucasus and Himalaya.

Health Benefits
Apricots are not only colorful and tasty: they also contain several nutrients that promote good health.

• Apricots are very high in beta-carotene and lycopene, two antioxidant compounds commonly found in orange-red fruits and vegetables that promote heart health and prevent several types of cancers.

• Beta-carotene and lycopene in Apricots also protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis and several cardiovascular diseases.

• Apricots are very high in vitamin A equivalents that protect from the degenerative effect of free radicals (oxidative stress) that tend to damage blood supply to the eyes and cause macular degeneration.

• Apricots are also a very good source of fiber, which has several health benefits especially related to the health of the digestive tract: it prevents constipation and cancer-promoting conditions such as diverticulosis.

American Dry Fruits provides you with a range of special mithai, dry fruit cake and dry fruit roast containing apricots specially selected from Khandhar in Afghanistan for all festivities and occasions to share with family and loved ones.