National Apricot Day – January 9, 2027

National Apricot Day
Categories:
Tags:
FruitHealthy Food
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every January 9
Holiday emoji:
🧡

National Apricot Day arrives every January 9, celebrating the delightful golden-orange fruit. Often enjoyed fresh, dried, or in preserves, apricots are a versatile and healthy addition to any diet. Bake a tart, blend a smoothie, or simply enjoy a fresh apricot to join the celebration!

Want to sponsor National Apricot Day? Learn how

Expected National Apricot Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that specialty grocery stores and health food retailers often feature apricots. Look for deals on fresh apricots at stores like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market, or discounts on dried apricots from brands like Sun-Maid and Mariani. Gourmet food shops and bakeries might offer apricot-infused pastries or jams. Keep an eye on online retailers for bulk dried apricot sales. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 9 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Apricot Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalApricotDay. Film a quick recipe featuring fresh or dried apricots, or share a fun fact about the fruit.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalApricotDay. Post vibrant photos of apricot dishes, healthy snacks, or even a beautiful apricot orchard.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalApricotDay. Share your favorite apricot jam recipe or a memory of picking apricots.

Social Media Tips for National Apricot Day

Individuals

Experiment with apricots in your kitchen! Try making apricot chicken, a fresh apricot salsa, or simply enjoy them as a healthy snack on their own.

Creators

Develop content around apricot-inspired cocktails or mocktails, or a step-by-step guide to making homemade apricot preserves. Highlight the versatility of the fruit.

Brands

Food brands can launch limited-edition apricot-flavored products, host a recipe contest, or partner with influencers to showcase creative apricot uses. Offer discounts on apricot-related items.

Top Brands for National Apricot Day

  1. Dole Food Company

    Founded in Hawaii in 1851 by James Dole, Dole Food Company is one of the world's largest producers and marketers of fresh fruit and vegetables. They offer a wide range of fresh and packaged fruit products, including often sourcing and distributing fresh apricots.

  2. Del Monte Foods

    With a history dating back to 1886, Del Monte Foods is a major producer of canned fruits, vegetables, and other food products. They are known for their canned apricot halves and fruit cocktail, making apricots accessible year-round.

  3. Trader Joe's

    Founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe's is a popular grocery chain known for its unique and affordable specialty items. They frequently feature high-quality dried apricots, apricot preserves, and seasonal fresh apricots.

  4. Sun-Maid Growers of California

    Established in 1912, Sun-Maid is an agricultural cooperative of raisin growers that has expanded to include a variety of dried fruits. Their dried apricots are a popular, convenient snack known for their sweet and tangy flavor.

  5. Chobani

    Founded in 2007 by Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani is a leading Greek yogurt brand known for its natural ingredients. They often incorporate real fruit, including apricots, into their yogurt cups, offering a healthy and flavorful option.

  6. Smucker's

    The J.M. Smucker Company, founded in 1897 in Ohio, is a prominent American manufacturer of fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, and other food products. They produce a variety of jams and jellies, including delicious apricot preserves.

  7. Melissa's Produce

    Melissa's Produce, founded in 1984 by Joe and Sharon Hernandez, is a leading distributor of specialty fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States. They often feature unique and seasonal varieties of fresh apricots, supplying them to retailers and restaurants.

National Apricot Day Hero

Luther Burbank

Luther Burbank (1849–1926) was an American botanist, horticulturist, and a pioneer in agricultural science. Over his 55-year career, he developed more than 800 strains and varieties of plants, including many fruits. His work with plums, prunes, and other stone fruits laid foundational knowledge that benefited apricot breeding and cultivation, contributing significantly to the diversity and quality of fruits we enjoy today.

History of National Apricot Day

Apricots date back as early as 2000 B.C. They were first cultivated in China and Central Asia and then slowly made their way around the world. Chinese traders and merchants traveling along the Great Silk Road introduced apricots to the Persians. The Arabs took apricots from Central Asia to the Middle East, where they were integrated into the court’s kitchen and rapidly dispersed widely into Islamic dominions. 

Alexander the Great is said to have introduced them to Greece, and English and Spanish settlers brought them to the United States. With increasing trade and travel across borders, the fruit found its way across the globe and is now grown and consumed worldwide. 

Apricots mature faster than other spring fruits and become available as early as March in certain parts of the world. Not only are they delicious by themselves, but they are also important in the culinary world. Chefs have been exploring apricot’s uses for thousands of years. What makes it even better is the fact that the apricot has a myriad of health benefits too! National Apricot Day on January 9 is an annual celebration of this fruit that just keeps on giving.

National Apricot Day timeline

4,000 Years Ago
Apricot First Discovered

The fruit is found in China and parts of Central Asia.

3rd Century B.C.
European Expansion

Following a late arrival in the region, apricots disperse rapidly through Europe.

1720
Arrival in America

Apricots emerge in Virginia and spread to other parts of North America.

2019
A Global Hit

Over 4 million tonnes of apricots are produced across the globe.

National Apricot Day FAQs

When is National Apricot Day?

In 2027, National Apricot Day is observed on a Saturday, January 9. This weekend placement makes it easy to celebrate with fresh apricot recipes and family activities.

What are the health benefits of apricots?

Beyond their delicious taste, apricots offer significant health advantages. Their high antioxidant content helps protect cells from damage, and the natural sugars provide a healthy energy boost, contributing to overall well-being.

Where are apricots primarily grown?

Apricots thrive in temperate climates, with major cultivation areas spanning the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and parts of the U.S. California’s Central Valley, in particular, is renowned for its extensive apricot orchards, supplying much of the nation’s fresh and processed apricots.

What is the difference between an apricot and a peach?

The key distinctions between apricots and peaches lie in their texture and taste. Apricots typically have a slightly firmer, less watery flesh and a subtly tangy sweetness, whereas peaches are known for their soft, very juicy texture and pronounced sweetness, often accompanied by a more pronounced fuzz on their skin.

National Apricot Day Activities

  1. Eat apricots

    What better way to celebrate National Apricot Day than by eating apricots? Not only are they delicious when they are fresh and in season, but they are also incredible canned or dried.

  2. Cook with apricots

    For thousands of years, apricots have been essential ingredients in delicacies, especially in Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisines. Apricots are used in fresh salads, baked goods, desserts, and so much more!

  3. Drink up

    The fruit is used to make some unique cocktails. Gather ingredients of your choice and get boozy with it (responsibly, of course).

5 Interesting Facts About Apricots

  1. They are out of this world

    Apricots were a part of the astronauts’ diet on the Apollo mission to the moon.

  2. In it for the long haul

    On average, apricot trees produce fruit for 20 to 25 years.

  3. Good fruit, good mood

    Europeans consider apricots an aphrodisiac.

  4. A skincare solution

    The antioxidants in apricots help to clear your skin.

  5. As warm and fuzzy as they look

    Apricots are best kept at room temperature; only refrigerate them when ripe.

Why We Love National Apricot Day

  1. Innumerable health benefits

    Apricots only contain 17 calories and no fat, sodium, or cholesterol, so they are extremely healthy. They are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium. They promote eye, gut, liver, skin health, and so much more.

  2. Apricots are versatile

    With a wide variety of food and beverages made from it, there’s something for everyone. Apricots are also a significant economic player, with over 400 million tonnes produced globally.

  3. Apricots are delicious

    Whether you like them raw, grilled, baked, broiled, or juiced, apricots are some of the yummiest fruits.

National Apricot Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 9 Saturday
2028 January 9 Sunday
2029 January 9 Tuesday
2030 January 9 Wednesday
2031 January 9 Thursday