Stone fruits of Prunus armeniaca (syn. Armeniaca vulgaris), a tree originating in ancient China and now cultivated across the world’s warm temperate regions — the Mediterranean basin, Central Asia, California, South Africa. The golden-orange drupe is prized for sweet, aromatic flesh rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. Apricots are eaten fresh in a short summer season, dried into one of the classic preserved fruits (with sulphiting to hold the orange colour), canned, and processed into jams, juices, nectars, purees and brandies — making them among the most versatile of temperate orchard fruits.