Apricot, in Pakistan, is mostly grown in the northern areas of Parachinar, Hangu, Chitral, Swat, Hazara and the uplands of Balochistan province, Potohar and Murree Hills in Punjab. But districts of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche, and Skardu in northern areas are considered best for the apricot production because these areas have high mountains and large glaciers that are suitable for apricot cultivation. Worldwide, apricot is grown in Turkey, Iran, Italy, Pakistan, France, Algeria, Japan, and Morocco.
In the 17th century, apricot was brought to America. In Indo-Pakistan, apricots were probably introduced from Iran and Afghanistan. Fresh apricot has a great nutritional value. It contains 38% of vitamin A, 16% of vitamin C, 2% of iron, 5% of vitamin B-6, and 2% of Magnesium.
Apricot
is planted during December end-mid March. Pits are dug a month before
planting and 1 kg single super phosphate and 10 ml chlorpyriphos
solution is added to each pit. Square and triangular layout systems
are followed. Plant to plant distance should be kept 6m.
Apricot is a fruit of dry atmosphere. It requires less irrigation only during critical periods of fruit growth and development. More water is required in fruit development period from April end to mid-June. Irrigation should be done at 10 days intervals in May and 6-8 days in June.
Dry apricots are a delicious and healthy snack option. They’re full of fiber and antioxidants, and they have a variety of health benefits. Dry apricots are made by removing the water content from fresh apricots. This can be done through a process of dehydration or by using a sugar syrup. The final product is a chewy and intensely flavored fruit that can be enjoyed on its own or used in recipes.
BENEFITS:
Low in Calories:
One apricot has around 17 calories which makes them a great low-calorie snack. You can eat up to three or four dried apricots daily as a mid-morning or evening snack.
Loaded with Antioxidants:
Dry apricots are loaded with antioxidants. These nutrients help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer.
Good
for Your Eyes:
Dry
apricots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A
in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, especially night
vision. It also helps prevent macular degeneration, a condition that
can lead to blindness.
Reduce
Inflammation:
Dry
apricots are a good source of antioxidants, which help reduce
inflammation throughout the body. This can be beneficial for people
with conditions like arthritis and asthma.
Provide
Hydration:
Dry
apricots are a good source of water, which can help keep you
hydrated. They also contain electrolytes like potassium, which is
essential for proper hydration.
Have
Vitamin K:
Vitamin
K is important for blood clotting and bone health, and dry apricots
are a good source of vitamin K. It also helps to prevent
osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and
brittle.
Improve
Metabolism and Energy Levels:
Copper
is important for metabolism and energy production, and dry apricots
are a good source of copper. It also helps to keep your immune system
healthy and prevents inflammation.
Dried
apricots are a good source of natural sugars. Natural sugars are a
type of simple carbohydrate that is easily absorbed by the body. The
natural sugars in dried apricots help to boost energy levels and
improve stamina.
Reduces
Risk of Cancer:
As
dry apricots have abundant antioxidants, they can help to protect
cells from damage. They can also help to reduce the risk of cancer by
preventing the growth of cancerous cells.
Control
High Blood Pressure:
Potassium
is an important nutrient needed by the body for controlling high
blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the risk of stroke and heart
disease. The good news is dry apricots are a good source of potassium
and can help you keep your blood pressure normal.
Increase Skin Glow:
Carotenoids are nutrients found in dry apricots that are important for skin health and help to protect the skin from damage and increase skin glow.
Aids
Weight Loss:
Dry
apricots are a low-calorie food that can help you lose weight. They
are also a good source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling
full. Fiber is important for weight loss because it helps to reduce
hunger and cravings.
Strengthen
the Bones:
Dry
apricots provide calcium, and we all know that calcium is essential
for bone health. One cup of dried apricots contains approximately 10%
of the daily recommended intake of calcium. It can help you maintain
your bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
Relieve Constipation:
Dry
apricots are an excellent source of fiber. Just one ounce of dry
apricots contains almost three grams of fiber. That’s more than
what you’ll find in a slice of whole wheat bread!
This
makes dry apricots a great food for promoting regularity and
preventing constipation.
Protect
the Liver:
Dry
apricots also contain antioxidants that help to protect the liver
from damage. The antioxidants in dried apricots help to neutralize
free radicals and prevent them from causing oxidative damage to
cells.
Oxidative
damage is a major contributing factor to many chronic diseases,
including liver disease.
Prevent
Asthma Attacks:
The
antioxidants in dried apricots may also help to prevent asthma
attacks. Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation
of the airways. The antioxidants in dried apricots help to reduce
inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.
Good for Pregnant Women:
Dry apricots also have folic acid or Vitamin B9, which is an essential nutrient for pregnant women. It helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. One cup of dried apricots contains approximately 20% of the daily recommended intake of folic acid.
Reduce
Fever:
Dry
apricots also have Fever-reducing properties. The vitamins and
minerals present in dried apricots help to reduce fever by boosting
the immune system.
Lower Cholesterol Levels:
The
fiber in dried apricots helps to lower cholesterol levels. Fiber
binds to cholesterol and prevents it from being absorbed into the
bloodstream. The soluble fiber in dried apricots is especially
effective at lowering cholesterol levels. One cup of dried apricots
contains approximately 6 grams of fiber.
If you’re looking
for a healthy snack option that’s low in calories and full of
nutrients, then dry apricots are a great choice. However, they should
be eaten in moderation as they are high in sugar.
Best Wishes.
ANSWER: APRICAUGHT
