One of the most versatile fruits, common knowledge claims that the apricot was originally cultivated in China, till the Persians discovered it. There’s also dispute that it originated in Armenia since the fruit has been cultivated there since ancient times. It was when the fruit found its way to the Mediterranean that its true popularity came to light. The Spanish explorers are given credit for introducing the fruit to the Americas, where today it thrives. And there’s another school of thought that claims that the apricot was growing in India way back in 3000BC. Disputes aside, the benefits of apricot are rarely denied by any. In fact, it’s as popular raw as it is cooked. The dried version of this fruit is globally loved, and in fact forms an important part of Iran’s global trade. Countries such as Turkey, Italy, Russia, Spain, Greece, USA and France are considered to be the leading producers of apricots. This yellowish-orange fleshy fruit is quite a curious little thing. The tiny hairs on the outer skin lend a soft furry texture, and can be eaten without having to be peeled. It’s also one of the healthiest fruits in the world, with loads of benefits. It’s said that 100 grams of fresh apricots gives you 12% of vitamin C, 12% of vitamin A, and 6% of potassium required by the body – all this under less than 50 calories.