Apricot Facts for Kids

Learn fun apricot facts, how apricots grow, how to choose and store them, and simple ways kids can use apricots in cooking.

Fun Apricot Facts

Apricots grow on trees, similar to peaches and plums.
They are usually in season during June and July.
Apricots can be eaten fresh or dried.
The inside pit is large and should not be eaten.
Dried apricots are sweeter and chewy compared to fresh ones.

How Apricots Grow, Buying, and Storage

How Apricots Grow

Apricots grow on trees and develop after spring blossoms, similar to apples and peaches.

Buying Tips

Choose apricots that are golden orange and slightly soft. Very soft apricots should be eaten right away, while firmer ones can ripen at home.

Storage Tips

Store ripe apricots in the refrigerator. If they are still firm, leave them out at room temperature to ripen first.

Cooking Uses for Apricots

Eat fresh as a snack
Add to fruit salads
Use in sauces for meats
Dry for a chewy snack
Add to baked goods like muffins

Great for teaching: Apricots help kids practice washing fruit, slicing (with help), and comparing fresh vs dried foods.

Mini Apricot Activity

Fresh vs Dried Apricot Comparison

Look at a fresh apricot and a dried apricot.
Compare color, size, and texture.
Taste both and talk about differences.
Ask: which would be better for a snack? Which one is best for baking?

Apricot Nutrition Facts

Apricots contain Vitamin A and Vitamin C
They are a source of fiber
They contain potassium
They have beta-carotene which supports health

More Food Fact Resources

Apricot Recipe Idea

Apricot Sauce with Pork

This simple apricot sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to pork. It’s a great way for kids to learn how fruit can be used in savory cooking.

Ingredients

1 pork roast or pork chops
1 cup apricot jam OR 4–5 fresh apricots, chopped
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

Cook the pork: Place pork in a roasting pan and bake at 450°F for 30–35 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F). You can also cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for 4–6 hours.
Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine apricot jam (or chopped apricots), lemon juice, ketchup, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, and ginger.
Heat the sauce: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.
Serve: Slice the cooked pork and pour the warm apricot sauce over the top before serving.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can help measure ingredients, stir the sauce, and observe how flavors change when cooked together.

Apricot Cooking Video

Keep Learning with Apricots

Now that kids have learned a few apple facts, keep the fun going with easy apple recipes, more ingredient pages in the Food Facts hub, and more themed ideas in seasonal cooking.