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Here are today’s five things to know about the apricot:

  1. In Latin, apricot means ‘precious’.

 

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2. The apricot, discovered about 4,000 years ago in China, was introduced to the United States in the 18th century.

 

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3. Brought to California by Spanish explorers, the apricot quickly became a popular crop.

 

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4. Today, apricot farmers in California produce more than 95 percent of the apricots grown in the United States.

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5. Choose an apricot that’s plump and that responds to the slight pressure of your thumb. It should be slightly soft.

 

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Today’s Food History

  • 1838 The first Flea Circus in the U.S. opened at 187 Broadway in New York City.
  • 1858 Elizabeth Gertrude Knight Britton was born. An American botanist, her efforts were a major factor in the establishment of the New York Botanical Gardens.
  • 1956 The first ‘Dear Abby’ column was published.
  • 1969 “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye is #1 on the charts.
  • 1980 “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes is #1 on the charts.
  • 1995 Peter Cook, British actor and comedian died.