Last updated: January 9 , 2026
Quick Answer: January 9 National Apricot Day is an annual U.S. food observance celebrated every January 9 to honor the apricot, one of the world’s most nutritious and versatile stone fruits. It is recognized by the National Day Calendar and tracked by food holiday enthusiasts across North America. The day encourages people to enjoy fresh apricots, cook with dried apricots, and share their love of this golden fruit with family and friends.
Key Takeaways
- National Apricot Day falls on January 9 every year, making January 9, 2026 the next celebration.
- The holiday is a nationwide informal food observance in the United States, not a federal holiday.
- Apricots originated in China over 4,000 years ago and spread across Europe and North America over centuries.
- California produces the majority of apricots grown in the United States, with the Central Valley being the primary growing region.
- Dried apricots are available year-round, making them the easiest way to observe the day in January when fresh apricots are out of season.
- Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, delivering real health benefits in a small package.
- You can celebrate by cooking apricot recipes, mixing apricot cocktails, or sharing on social media using #NationalApricotDay.
- The holiday is listed on multiple national day tracking sites, including National Today and Wikidates.
What Is National Apricot Day?
National Apricot Day is a U.S. food holiday observed every January 9 that celebrates the apricot in all its forms, from fresh fruit to dried apricots, jams, and desserts. It is part of a broader tradition of national food holidays tracked by organizations like the National Day Calendar and sites such as Punchbowl and Dayspedia.[6][9]
The observance is informal, meaning no government body created it, but it has earned a solid following among food lovers, home cooks, and social media communities across the world. The hashtag #NationalApricotDay circulates widely each year on January 9, with people posting recipes, photos, and apricot-themed content. Whether you love the fruit fresh off the tree or prefer dried apricots as a snack, today is the day to celebrate.
Key facts:
- Full name: NATIONAL APRICOT DAY
- Date: January 9 (annually)
- Type: Informal U.S. food observance
- Tracked by: National Day Calendar, National Today, Punchbowl, Wikidates, Dayspedia
When Is National Apricot Day Celebrated?
National Apricot Day is celebrated on January 9 every year without exception. The next National Apricot Day falls on Friday, January 9, 2026, followed by Saturday, January 9, 2027, and Sunday, January 9, 2028.[1][4]
This places the holiday firmly in the middle of January, a month packed with food holidays ranging from National Cream Puff Day on January 2 to National Whipped Cream Day on January 5. January is a busy month for food observances, and apricot day sits right in the heart of it.
Upcoming dates for National Apricot Day:
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 9 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 9 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 9 | Sunday |
History of National Apricot Day
The history of National Apricot Day, like many informal food holidays, does not trace back to a single founder or a specific piece of legislation. The day emerged as part of the broader national day calendar movement in the United States, where food enthusiasts and organizations began designating days to honor specific foods.[6][7]
What is well-documented, however, is the deep history of the apricot itself. The fruit’s origins trace back over 4,000 years to China, where it was cultivated long before spreading along trade routes through Persia and into Europe.[6] Spanish missionaries brought apricots to North America, planting them in California as early as the 18th century. The Santa Clara Valley in California, once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” was blanketed with apricot orchards before it transformed into what the world now calls Silicon Valley.
The apricot’s journey from ancient China to the back yards of California homes and the kitchens of Virginia cooks is a story worth celebrating. National Apricot Day honors that long history every January 9.
Timeline of the apricot’s spread:
- ~2000 BCE: Cultivated in China
- ~1st century CE: Introduced to Europe via Persia and the Roman Empire
- 18th century: Spanish missionaries plant apricots in California
- 19th, 20th century: California’s Central Valley becomes the heart of U.S. apricot production
- Today: China remains the world’s largest apricot producer, with significant output tracked by the FAO
How to Observe National Apricot Day
Observing National Apricot Day on January 9 is straightforward: eat apricots, cook with them, and share the experience. Because fresh apricots are not in season in January across most of North America, dried apricots and apricot preserves are the most practical way to celebrate today.[8][9]
Ways to Observe and Celebrate
- Snack on dried apricots: Dried apricots are available at virtually every grocery store year-round. Brands like Amp Farms stock dried apricots in bulk. Amp farms products make a convenient and healthy snack.
- Cook an apricot recipe: Try apricot jam on toast, apricot-glazed chicken, or apricot ice cream for dessert.
- Make chocolate apricot bonbons: Dip dried apricots in dark chocolate for a quick treat. This is one of the most popular recipes people associate with the holiday.
- Prepare apricots with basil, goat cheese, and walnuts: A savory-sweet appetizer that works beautifully for a January dinner party.
- Mix apricot cocktails: Apricot brandy cocktails and apricot-infused drinks are a festive way to mark the day. Check out brunch cocktails for inspiration.
- Post on social media: Use the hashtag #NationalApricotDay on your social media page to connect with others celebrating across the world.
- Visit a local market: Even in January, many stores carry fresh apricots imported from the Southern Hemisphere.
“The best way to observe National Apricot Day is simply to bring apricots back into your kitchen, whether fresh, dried, or preserved.”, National Today[6]
Apricot Recipes for National Apricot Day
Apricot recipes range from simple snacks to impressive dinner-party dishes, and the fruit’s natural sweetness makes it compatible with both savory and sweet preparations. The most popular recipes people make on January 9 include chocolate apricot bonbons, apricot ice cream, apricot jam, and savory apricot glazes for meat.[6][7]
Chocolate Apricot Bonbons
Melt dark chocolate over a double boiler. Dip whole dried apricots into the chocolate, let the excess drip off, and place on parchment paper to set. Dust with cocoa powder or crushed pistachios. These chocolate apricot bonbons require no baking and take under 30 minutes to make.
Apricots With Basil, Goat Cheese & Walnuts
Halve fresh or rehydrated dried apricots and fill each half with a small dollop of goat cheese. Top with a fresh basil leaf and a walnut piece. Drizzle with honey. This appetizer takes about 10 minutes and delivers a sophisticated flavor combination.
Apricot Ice Cream
Blend 2 cups of apricot puree (from fresh or canned apricots) with 1 cup of heavy cream, half a cup of sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla. Churn in an ice cream maker per the manufacturer’s instructions. Apricot ice cream is a crowd-pleasing dessert that showcases the fruit’s bright flavor.
Apricot Cocktails
Apricot brandy is the base for several classic cocktails. A simple apricot sour combines apricot brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup over ice. For more cocktail ideas, the Difford’s Guide lists apricot-themed drinks associated with January 9.[2] Apricot cocktails are a festive way to share the holiday spirit.
For more food holiday celebrations and recipes throughout January, explore the full January national days calendar.
Health Benefits of Apricots and Apricot Nutrition Facts
Apricots deliver impressive nutritional value in a small, low-calorie package. A single fresh apricot (about 35 grams) contains roughly 17 calories, 0.5 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.7 grams of fiber, according to the USDA FoodData Central database.
Key nutrients in apricots (per 100g fresh fruit):
- Vitamin A: 96 mcg (over 10% of the daily recommended value)
- Vitamin C: 10 mg
- Potassium: 259 mg
- Dietary fiber: 2 g
- Calories: 48
Health benefits backed by research:
- Eye health: The beta-carotene in apricots converts to vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, according to the National Institutes of Health.
- Heart health: Potassium in apricots supports healthy blood pressure, per Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Digestive health: The fiber in both fresh and dried apricots supports gut health and regularity.
- Antioxidant protection: Apricots contain chlorogenic acids and catechins, antioxidants linked to reduced inflammation.
Fresh Apricots vs Dried Apricots
Fresh apricots are available from approximately late May through early August in the United States, peaking in June and July. Dried apricots are available year-round and have a much longer shelf life, making them the go-to option for celebrating National Apricot Day in January.[8]
Choose fresh apricots if: You want maximum vitamin C content and lower sugar concentration per serving. Choose dried apricots if: You need convenience, longer shelf life, or are celebrating in January when fresh apricots are out of season. Note that dried apricots are more calorie-dense and higher in sugar per gram than fresh fruit.
Where to Buy Apricots and Best Varieties
Apricots are widely available across the United States in grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers. In January, dried apricots from California’s Central Valley are the easiest to find. Brands like Amp Farms and Sun-Maid carry dried apricots in most major supermarkets.[6]
Best apricot varieties to eat:
- Blenheim (Royal): The classic California variety, prized for its rich, complex flavor. Once the backbone of the Santa Clara Valley apricot industry.
- Tilton: A large, firm variety well-suited to drying and canning.
- Goldcot: Popular in Washington and Idaho for its cold hardiness and sweet flavor.
- Moorpark: A European heirloom variety with exceptional sweetness, common in home gardens.
Where to buy:
- Major grocery chains (year-round dried apricots; fresh in summer)
- Farmers markets in California, Washington, and Idaho (June through August)
- Online retailers and specialty food shops (dried and preserved apricots)
- Home orchards: Apricots are relatively easy to grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-9
Apricot Growing Tips for Home Gardeners
Apricots thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. They bloom early in spring, making them vulnerable to late frosts in colder climates. Plant in a sheltered south-facing spot to reduce frost damage. Water deeply but infrequently once established. Prune in late summer after harvest to maintain shape and encourage next year’s fruit production. Home gardeners in California, Virginia, and other temperate states have successfully grown apricots back from bare-root stock purchased in late winter.
Apricot Allergies and Side Effects
Most people enjoy apricots without any issues, but a small number experience reactions. Apricots belong to the Rosaceae family, and people with oral allergy syndrome related to birch pollen may experience mild itching or tingling when eating fresh apricots, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Dried apricots treated with sulfur dioxide (a common preservative) can trigger reactions in people with sulfite sensitivity, particularly those with asthma. Look for unsulfured dried apricots if you have this sensitivity.
Apricot kernels (the seeds inside the pit) contain amygdalin, which the body can convert to cyanide. The European Food Safety Authority advises against consuming more than three small apricot kernels per day for adults. The flesh of the fruit itself is safe for the vast majority of people.
Expected National Apricot Day Deals and Celebrations in 2026
National Apricot Day 2026 falls on Friday, January 9, making it a weekday celebration with strong potential for food brands and retailers to run promotions. In past years, grocery stores and specialty food brands have offered discounts on dried apricots, apricot jams, and apricot-based snacks around this date.[4][6]
What to look out for in 2026:
- Grocery store promotions on dried apricots and apricot preserves
- Restaurant specials featuring apricot-glazed dishes or apricot desserts
- Social media giveaways from food brands using #NationalApricotDay
- Community events at farmers markets and food co-ops in California and beyond
To stay current on all January food holidays, bookmark the national food holidays page and check back each day throughout the month.
FAQ: National Apricot Day
Why is National Apricot Day in January?
National Apricot Day is in January because it was established as part of the broader national day calendar tradition in the United States, where specific dates are assigned to food observances without necessarily aligning with harvest seasons. January 9 was designated as the date to honor apricots, even though fresh apricots are typically in season from late May through August in North America. Dried apricots make it easy to celebrate any time of year.[6][9]
What is January 9th National Day?
January 9th is National Apricot Day in the United States. It is an informal food observance that encourages people to enjoy and celebrate apricots in all forms, including fresh fruit, dried apricots, jams, desserts, and cocktails. The day is tracked by the National Day Calendar and recognized by sites like National Today, Punchbowl, and Wikidates.[1][6][7]
What national food day is January 9th?
January 9th is recognized as National Apricot Day, a food holiday dedicated to the apricot. The day is part of a long list of January food observances in the United States and is observed by home cooks, food bloggers, and fruit enthusiasts who share recipes, photos, and apricot-themed content on social media using the hashtag #NationalApricotDay.[6][8]
What country’s national fruit is apricot?
Armenia considers the apricot its national fruit and a deeply important cultural symbol. The Armenian word for apricot, “tsiran,” appears in ancient texts, and the country is widely regarded as one of the original homelands of the wild apricot. Pakistan also holds the apricot in high national regard, particularly in the Hunza Valley region, where apricot cultivation has been central to the local food culture for centuries.
Conclusion
January 9 National Apricot Day is more than a quirky entry on the national day calendar. It is a genuine invitation to reconnect with one of the world’s oldest cultivated fruits, a food that has traveled from ancient China through Europe and across North America to land in California orchards and home kitchens everywhere.
Actionable next steps for January 9, 2026:
- Pick up a bag of dried apricots at your local grocery store today.
- Try one new apricot recipe, whether chocolate apricot bonbons, apricot ice cream, or a simple apricot cocktail.
- Share your celebration on your social media page with #NationalApricotDay to connect with the broader community.
- If you have a back yard with the right climate, consider planting an apricot tree this spring.
- Explore the full range of January national days to keep the food holiday spirit going all month long.
Whether you enjoy fresh apricots in summer or reach for dried apricots as a year-round snack, January 9 is the perfect day to celebrate a fruit that has earned its place in kitchens and cultures across the world.
References
[1] National Apricot Day 135 – https://www.wikidates.org/holiday/national-apricot-day_135.html [2] diffordsguide – https://www.diffordsguide.com/on-this-day/january/09 [3] Index – https://iand.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=1045&Itemid=115&year=2025&month=01&day=09&title=national-apricot-day&uid=3703f5d33522d0ae6f00e826dd0b65c4 [4] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1089/?lang=de [5] Watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU516pcov-E [6] National Apricot Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-apricot-day/ [7] National Apricot Day – https://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-apricot-day [8] Its National Apricot Day January 9 2025 – https://medium.com/@checkiday/its-national-apricot-day-january-9-2025-e2aae7836626 [9] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1089/ [10] Tag Der Aprikose – https://www.kuriose-feiertage.de/tag-der-aprikose/