The apricot comes from a small tree called apricot tree, belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its scientific name is Prunus armeniaca, meaning Armenian plum. This stone fruit originates from China, where it has been cultivated for over 2000 years. Due to its ancient cultivation, it is difficult to determine its exact origin. The introduction of the apricot tree to the Middle East was later done through Iran and Armenia, around the first century AD. It was at this moment that the Greeks and Romans became aware of this fruit. In France, the apricot was introduced in two ways. Firstly, it arrived from Italy through the Loire Valley thanks to King René of Anjou, who inherited the kingdom of Naples in 1435, bringing this Italian fruit to his native region. It was named apricot tree in 1560. Similarly, it arrived from Spain through Roussillon when Narbonne was occupied by the Saracens in 715, and then when Roussillon was attached to the French crown in 1659. Today, Turkey remains the main producer of apricots. However, France is the second largest producer in the European Union, ahead of Spain and Greece. The apricot harvest begins in June and continues until August. Nowadays, it is a highly consumed product in culinary terms. However, China associates it with therapeutic virtues, traditionally prescribing it for coughs and constipation.
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