Native to the mountainous regions of north central and north western China, apricots are those beautifully orange colored fruits full of beta-carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer. Some describe the fruit's flavor as almost musky, with a faint tartness that lies somewhere between a peach and a plum, which is why it is enjoyed as a fresh fruit but can also be enjoyed dried, or eaten as jam. Apricots are a great food that provides you with the protective effects of antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin C while adding very few calories to your daily total, which means you won't regret binging on'em! As a matter of fact, diets rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols which are found in apricots, have been linked to reductions in heart disease in humans, as well as other potential health benefits. There’s yet another interesting fact about apricots- It is believed that their richness in carotenoids and xanthophylls may help protect eyesight from aging-related damage.