It's National Apricot Day on Ninth January

Delicious and nutritious, golden-coloured Apricots have their very own day of fruitful recognition every year on January 9th.

Did You Know that our apricot name is probably derived from the Arabic 'al barquq' meaning 'early ripening', via the French 'abricot?'

They are low in calories and also low in fat and are a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and dietary fibre.

Prunus Armeniaca is a member of the Rosaceae family along with peaches, apples and pears; but as the least hardy member of the family, apricot trees require some special care to fruit successfully in the British climate.

Apricots are the national fruit of Armenia, from where they are thought to have originated, with China and India also likely sources.

Although one of the earliest ripening fruits of Summer, January is a little too early to enjoy them fresh from the tree, so why not  choose to celebrate these juicy, tasty beauties with a luscious Bonne Maman Apricot Yoghurt? Or maybe it's the day to top some overnight soaked oats with Bonne Maman Apricot Compote?

Maybe you could take the opportunity to bake a true showstopper with an Apricot Meringue Roulade, filled with Apricot Compote, double cream and topped with flaked almonds. Or, if following a Veganuary commitment, try a generous swirl of extra fruit-filled Bonne Maman Apricot Intense Conserve on some lacy Apricot Vegan Crêpes with toasted nuts.

The Bonne Maman Apricot Range includes: Apricot Yoghurt, Apricot Conserve, Apricot Intense and Apricot Compote. Delicious!