It seems appropriate that apricot in Latin means precious. Apricots are precious, especially for people who live outside of California, where it is difficult to find them tree ripened. Apricots are very delicate when they are fully ripe, bruise easily and deteriorate quickly, so the Blenheim, considered the king of apricots grown in California's Santa Clara Valley, are rarely transported outside of California. The leading varieties shipped out of California are, in order of appearance on the market, Castlebrite, Katy, Improved Flaming Gold, Patterson, and Tilton. Apricots found in the markets outside of California are sturdier and less flavorful varieties like the Patterson and Katy varieties.

Apricots are believed to have originated in the mountainous regions of north central and northwestern China where they have been cultivated for over 4000 years. Through the centuries seeds were brought into central Asia and then, following Alexander the Great's military expeditions through that area, into the Middle East. From their apricots spread to Greece and Italy, becoming known in these countries in the first century BC. Over the years, apricots spread throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and eventually to California.

In the 18th century, Spanish explorers introduced apricots to the New World. California inherited the golden blush fruit planted in the gardens of Spanish missions. In 1792, the first major production of California apricots was recorded. California is where nearly 97% of America's crop is grown.

By 1920, California proudly claimed a flourishing apricot industry located in the Santa Clara Valley, an area south of San Francisco also known for peaches, plums and cherries. Only fifteen years later, 2,737 California apricot growers farmed a total of 18,631 acres in the valley alone.

After World War II, the valley once known for fruit farming was fast becoming an area known for a growing computer industry and the development of the “Silicon Valley.” Consequently by the end of the century, California’s apricot orchards had been relocated to the San Joaquin Valley where they are predominately found today.

The leading apricot producing countries are Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Greece, with the United States ranking sixth in world production.