Apricots are a member of the Rosaceae family along with peaches, apples and pears. They’re in season from early May to July. Approximately 95% of the U.S. crop comes from California — so you can consider them (at least if you’re on the west coast) a semi-local treat.
What is the best season for apricots?
Fresh apricots are at their peak from May through August, though they are often imported from South America off season. Rich color, sweet scent, and a slightly soft fruit indicate they are tree-ripened, which packs the best flavor.
When should I buy apricots?
How to Buy Apricots
- Only buy apricots during the season when they’ve been grown in the U.S. This means late spring through the summer.
- Don’t worry about blemishes or marks unless it looks like the blemish has penetrated the skin.
- A sign of ripeness is that the fruit is soft.
Are apricots sold year round?
Apricots are available in the North Hemisphere from the beginning of summer, although some varieties can be bought at the end of summer. Nevertheless, given the great number of producing countries, apricots are found in the main markets all the year round.
Do apricots make you poop?
Snack on Dried Fruit
Dried fruits, such as dates, figs, prunes, apricots, and raisins, are another great source of dietary fiber that acts as constipation relief. “Prunes, in particular, are great because they not only are high in fiber, they also contain sorbitol, which is a natural laxative,” Prather says.
What are the benefits of eating apricots?
Rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids, apricots are excellent for promoting eye health. Lutein helps to support retina and lens health, while carotenoids and vitamin E support overall vision. Apricot nutrients also help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Is apricot good for diabetes?
Dried fruits like dates, apricots, raisins and sultanas are safer foods to include in a diabetes diet as opposed to starchy foods such as white bread, revealed a new study published in the journal Nutrition and Diabetes. “People often worry about sources of sugar, and fruits are one of them.
Should fresh apricots be refrigerated?
Apricots. Apricots continue to ripen after picking. They should be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat until they give softly to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Once ripe, refrigerate apricots as necessary to prevent spoiling, but cold temperatures may change their texture and taste.
What do you eat apricots with?
They go well in fruit salads. Combine them with lemon, nectarines, peaches, berries, coconut, apples, and plums. They pair with nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Apricots pair well with sweet wines.
How do you keep apricots fresh?
How to Store Apricots
- Prep. Store whole fruit at room temperature until ripe.
- Cut. Remove pits and cut fruit into chunks or wedges.
- Seal. Seal in GladWare® food protection containers.
- Cover. Whole fruit can be kept in a bowl covered with Press’n Seal® wrap.
Can I freeze apricots raw?
But can you freeze fresh apricots with success or should it be avoided? Apricots can be frozen for up to 4 months. To freeze fresh apricots successfully, chop them up, flash freeze on a baking sheet before bagging them up and adding them to the freezer.
How do you store apricots in the fridge?
Store unripe apricots at room temperature away from sunlight until they ripen. Once ripe, you can leave them on the counter for 1 to 2 days or refrigerate them in a plastic bag or the crisper drawer for 3 to 5 days.
What does apricots taste like?
And yes, some apricots really do look like miniature peaches, fuzzy skin and all, but the taste of apricots is different than that of peaches. When ripe and fresh, apricots are both sweet and tart, while peaches are generally just sweet.
How many apricots should I eat a day?
How many dried apricots should I eat a day? While there is no recommended dosage of dried apricots per day, a standard serving is about 8 halves to class as one of your five a day, and it’s best to vary these if you can.
Do apricots make you fart?
And it’s not only vegetables; fruit can also give you gas. Apples, bananas, peaches, pears, apricots and oranges, along with dried fruit, all contain sorbitol, which is a sugar alcohol that’s super gassy.
Can you eat too many apricots?
If you have a sensitive gut, consuming too much of the fruit can cause digestive issues, such as stomach cramps and indigestion, says Jones. Remember, apricot is rich in fiber — so you might be more prone to post-apricot GI issues if you don’t eat a lot of fiber in general.
Who should not eat apricots?
Apricot can be disadvantageous in some cases:
- Allergy: Apricot must be consumed if one has an allergy to it.
- Diabetes: Diabetic people must not take dried apricots.
- Low blood pressure: People who have low blood pressure must not consume apricot.
Are apricots good for high blood pressure?
Eating potassium-rich foods, such as apricots, may help prevent high blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.
Do apricots help you lose weight?
Low In Calories: Apricots contain only 48 calories per 100 grams, which makes them an excellent low-cal addition to your weight loss diet. Apricots can fill you up for several hours, without affecting your calorie load and keep cravings in check.
What is the miracle fruit that cures diabetes?
Overview. Miracle fruit is an evergreen shrub that grows in West Africa. The berry, leaf, and seed oil are used as medicine. People use miracle fruit for diabetes, obesity, taste disturbances in people treated with cancer drugs, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
What drink lowers blood sugar?
Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best. Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk ( 22 , 23 ).
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.