Apricots are a stone fruit of the species Prunus Armeniaca, and though commonly thought to have originated in Armenia (having been cultivated there since ancient times), they are now believed to derive originally from Central Asia and China. In China this lovely fruit is associated with education and medicine, and indeed it is told that Confucius taught his students in a forum surrounded by the wood of apricot trees.

Apricots are now cultivated and consumed worldwide, with an estimated 4.1 million tonnes produced globally in 2019.  Apricots have health benefits in abundance, being rich sources of Vitamin A, Fibre, and Potassium.

This versatile fruit lends itself well to a range of applications, from compotes and purees, to drying and IQF.