Peach vs. Apricot — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
A Peach is a soft, round fruit with fuzzy skin; an Apricot is a smaller, smooth-skinned fruit with a similar taste.
Difference Between Peach and Apricot
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Peach and Apricot, both stone fruits, differ primarily in size, texture, and appearance. While a Peach is generally larger, boasting a velvety and fuzzy exterior, an Apricot is smaller and has a smooth, almost glossy skin.
Peach and Apricot both belong to the Rosaceae family but hail from different genera. A Peach is from the genus Prunus persica while an Apricot comes from the genus Prunus armeniaca. These botanical differences play into the unique tastes and textures of each fruit.
In culinary contexts, both Peach and Apricot are versatile. Peaches are often eaten fresh or used in dishes ranging from pies to salads. Apricots, on the other hand, are popularly consumed both fresh and dried, with dried apricots being a common snack or ingredient in various dishes.
Peach and Apricot trees bloom in spring, but their flowering patterns and times can vary. Peach blossoms might be pink or red, whereas Apricot flowers are usually white to pink. Both fruits typically ripen in late spring to early summer, depending on the variety and location.
Culturally, both Peach and Apricot hold significance in various regions. The Peach, for instance, symbolizes immortality in Chinese culture. Apricots, especially their seeds, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine across different cultures.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Generally larger.
Smaller.
Skin Texture
Fuzzy and velvety.
Smooth and almost glossy.
Taste
Sweet with a hint of tartness.
Sweet, slightly tart, and a bit nutty.
Common Culinary Uses
Fresh consumption, pies, jams, salads.
Fresh, dried, jams, snacks.
Symbolism/Cultural Use
Represents immortality in Chinese culture.
Used in traditional medicine and cuisine.
Compare with Definitions
Peach
A soft, pale orange-pink color.
She painted her room a calming Peach hue.
Apricot
A descriptor for a light, delicate flavor resembling the fruit.
The cake had a subtle Apricot undertone.
Peach
A native or resident of Georgia (U.S. state known as the "Peach State").
As a true Peach, she always attended the annual Peach festival in Georgia.
Apricot
The tree bearing the Apricot fruit.
The Apricot tree in the backyard was in full bloom.
Peach
A particularly likable or attractive person.
Everyone at the party agreed that she was a Peach.
Apricot
A small, orange-yellow fruit with a stone and smooth skin.
She added fresh Apricot slices to her morning oatmeal.
Peach
A term of endearment or admiration.
You're a real Peach for helping out, he said with gratitude.
Apricot
Used to describe something of high quality or excellence.
His performance in the play was simply Apricot.
Peach
The peach (Prunus persica) is a deciduous tree native to the region of Northwest China between the Tarim Basin and the north slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, where it was first domesticated and cultivated. It bears edible juicy fruits with various characteristics, most called peaches and others (the glossy-skinned varieties), nectarines.
Apricot
An apricot (US: (listen), UK: (listen)) is a fruit, or the tree that bears the fruit, of several species in the genus Prunus (stone fruits). Usually, an apricot is from the species P. armeniaca, but the fruits of the other species in Prunus sect.
Peach
A small Chinese tree (Prunus persica) in the rose family, widely cultivated throughout temperate regions, having pink flowers and edible fruit.
Apricot
A deciduous tree (Prunus armeniaca) native to Asia, having alternate leaves and clusters of usually white flowers.
Peach
The soft juicy fruit of this tree, having yellow or white flesh, downy reddish-yellow skin, and a deeply ridged stone containing a single seed.
Apricot
The edible orange-yellow fruit of this tree.
Peach
A light moderate to strong yellowish pink to light orange.
Apricot
A moderate, light, or strong orange to strong orange-yellow.
Peach
(Informal) A particularly admirable or pleasing person or thing.
Apricot
A round sweet and juicy stone fruit, resembling peach or plum in taste, with a yellow-orange flesh, lightly fuzzy skin and a large seed inside.
Pickled apricots
Peach
To inform on someone; turn informer
"Middle-level bureaucrats cravenly peach on their bosses [when] one of them does something the tiniest bit illegal" (National Observer).
Apricot
The apricot tree, Prunus armeniaca
Peach
To inform against
"He has peached me and all the others, to save his life" (Daniel Defoe).
Apricot
(color) A pale yellow-orange colour, like that of an apricot fruit.
Peach
A tree (Prunus persica), native to China and now widely cultivated throughout temperate regions, having pink flowers and edible fruit.
Apricot
A dog with an orange-coloured coat.
Peach
The soft juicy stone fruit of the peach tree, having yellow flesh, downy, red-tinted yellow skin, and a deeply sculptured pit or stone containing a single seed.
Apricot
The junction of the brain and brain stem on a target, used as an aiming point to ensure a one-shot kill.
Peach
(color) A light moderate to strong yellowish pink to light orange color.
Apricot
A testicle.
Peach
(informal) A particularly admirable or pleasing person or thing.
Apricot
Of a pale yellowish-orange colour, like that of an apricot.
Peach
(often in plural) buttock or bottom
Apricot
A fruit allied to the plum, of an orange color, oval shape, and delicious taste; also, the tree (Prunus Armeniaca of Linnæus) which bears this fruit. By cultivation it has been introduced throughout the temperate zone.
Peach
Of or pertaining to the color peach.
Apricot
Asian tree having clusters of usually white blossoms and edible fruit resembling the peach
Peach
Particularly pleasing or agreeable.
Apricot
Downy yellow to rosy-colored fruit resembling a small peach
Peach
To inform on someone; turn informer.
Apricot
A shade of pink tinged with yellow
Peach
To inform against.
Apricot
A pale orange-yellow color.
The sunset painted the sky in shades of Apricot.
Peach
To accuse of crime; to inform against.
Peach
To turn informer; to betray one's accomplice.
If I be ta'en, I'll peach for this.
Peach
A well-known high-flavored juicy fruit, containing one or two seeds in a hard almond-like endocarp or stone. In the wild stock the fruit is hard and inedible.
Peach
The tree (Prunus Persica syn. Amygdalus Persica) which bears the peach fruit.
Peach
The pale red color of the peach blossom, or the light pinkish yellow of the peach fruit.
Peach
Cultivated in temperate regions
Peach
A very attractive or seductive looking woman
Peach
Downy juicy fruit with sweet yellowish or whitish flesh
Peach
A shade of pink tinged with yellow
Peach
Divulge confidential information or secrets;
Be careful--his secretary talks
Peach
A round, juicy fruit with fuzzy skin.
She bit into the ripe Peach, enjoying its sweet juice.
Common Curiosities
Are Peach and Apricot related fruits?
Yes, both Peach and Apricot belong to the Rosaceae family.
Are Apricot seeds edible?
Apricot kernels can be eaten, but in moderation, as they contain compounds that can be toxic in large quantities.
Is there a Peach-colored crayon?
Yes, Peach is a recognized color and there are crayons in a Peach hue.
Can I use Apricots as a substitute for Peaches in recipes?
While Peach and Apricot have unique flavors, they can often be substituted for each other in recipes, but expect a slight taste variation.
Are dried Apricots as nutritious as fresh ones?
Dried Apricots are calorie-dense and rich in certain nutrients, but the drying process can reduce vitamin C content.
How do Apricots taste when dried?
Dried Apricots have a sweet and slightly tangy taste, with a chewy texture.
Why do Peaches have a fuzzy skin?
The fuzz on a Peach is a natural protective mechanism, likely evolved to deter pests.
Which fruit is sweeter, Peach or Apricot?
Both fruits are sweet, but Peaches tend to be juicier and slightly sweeter, while Apricots have a nuttier undertone.
Can I make jam out of Apricots?
Absolutely! Apricot jam is a popular and delicious spread.
What are common desserts made from Peaches?
Peach pies, Peach cobbler, and Peach ice cream are popular desserts.
What's the best way to eat a Peach?
Peaches can be eaten fresh, grilled, baked, or incorporated into various dishes.
Why is Georgia called the "Peach State"?
Georgia earned the nickname "Peach State" because of its reputation for producing high-quality Peaches.
How do you store Peaches for longer shelf life?
Store unripe Peaches at room temperature and move them to the fridge once ripened to extend their shelf life.
Are Apricots used in traditional medicine?
Yes, Apricots, especially their kernels, have been used in traditional medicines across cultures.
Can I grow an Apricot tree in my backyard?
Yes, provided the climate and soil are suitable, Apricot trees can be grown in backyards.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
