The apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) is a species of Prunus, classified together with the plum in the subgenus Prunus. Its native range is somewhat uncertain due to extensive cultivation since prehistoric times, but it is most likely native to northern and western China and Central Asia, possibly as well as Korea and Japan. Apricot is a fruit tree, belonging to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus. It is a medium-sized tree with a wide and dense crown. The leaves have a lanceolate shape with a length of 8 cm. The flowers are white or pink. The fleshy fruits, which can be covered with bristles, are orange-yellow colored with red hues and have a hard seed in the center. Apricot is a highly prized species for its tasty and fragrant fruits, used fresh, processed in the form of dried apricots or in the form of compote, jam, jam, juice, nectar, cassava and liqueurs.
Since the apricot has been cultivated since ancient times in many countries, the exact origin of this fruit tree is not known. However, the apricot is appreciated all over the world due to its juicy and aromatic fruits.
Apricot culture is difficult because it is a demanding species in terms of climate and soil, and in
addition it is affected by an incompletely known disease that causes premature death. In
Romania, apricot culture is not extended to the level of possibilities, being in an obvious
decrease in recent years. If in 1991 apricot culture occupied 1.7% of the area of existing
plantations and 2.9% of fruit production, respectively 43 thousand tons, in 1999, fruit production
decreased to 28 thousand tons, representing only 1.8% of total production.
Apricots are a rich source of magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamins
A, C and B. They fight anemia, various viruses, speed up wound healing, stimulate liver and
heart activity and are an ally in the fight against cancer. If you consume them before the meal,
you will have an easier digestion. In Europe, apricots have long been considered an
aphrodisiac. In traditional medicine, apricots were used to detoxify the body and reduce thirst.
In 2018, the total production of apricots and blackberries was 35.7 thousand tons, an increase
of 1.8 thousand tons compared to 2017. In Tulcea county, the production of apricots and
blackberries was 135 tons in 2018, increasing by 43 tons compared to 2017.