These fragrant, sweet fruits are in season from May to September. Find out how to buy the best apricots and prepare them, plus what to make with them. A relative of the peach, nectarine, plum and cherry, apricots are fragrant, with a soft, velvety skin that ranges from pale yellow to deep orange.
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.
Which state has the best apricots?
The California Apricot, one of nature’s nutritional powerhouses, not only has a rich history, but is also the leader of apricot production in the United States. Over 300 growers in California, covering 17,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley, produce over 95% of the apricots grown in the United States.
Where are apricots most popular?
Apricots are native to parts of Asia. They are hugely popular in Middle Eastern countries, with Turkey and Iran being the world’s largest producers of the fruit. Spanish missionaries are credited with introducing the apricot to California, which is the leading state of apricot production within the United States.
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.
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 is the apricot capital of the world?
Patterson
It is 27 miles southeast of Tracy and is part of the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area. Patterson is known as the “Apricot Capital of the World”; the town holds an annual Apricot Fiesta to celebrate with many drinks, food, desserts and games.
Why is apricot good for you?
Apricots are also a good source of flavonoids, an antioxidant that helps to protect against inflammation and inflammatory illnesses, along with reducing your risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The main flavonoids in apricots are catechin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acids.
What country are apricots from?
The apricot was originally domesticated in China but is now cultivated on every continent except Antarctica. Archaeological evidence shows that apricots were eaten in ancient Armenia, and they were first introduced to the New World in the early 18th century by Spanish missionaries in California.
What is the best tasting apricot?
Blenheim. Blenheim is considered to be the most flavorful, best tasting apricot in production. The fruit is medium to large, yellow with orange cheek and firm, juicy, pale orange flesh and delicious flavor.
Which apricot is the sweetest?
Moorpark apricots
Also known as Wenatchee or Wenatchee-Moorpark, Moorpark apricots are exceptionally sweet and fragrant while also maintaining an essential amount of acidity to create the classic and perfect apricot flavor. This pure golden fruit grows much larger than other apricots, typically reaching the size of a large peach.
Where is the best apricot in the world?
Turkey is the largest producer of apricots in the world followed by Iran and Uzbekistan.
| Top 10 Producers | 2,860,010 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Country | % Of Top 10 |
| 1 | Turkey | 27.82% |
| 2 | Iran | 16.08% |
| 3 | Uzbekistan | 12.76% |
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.
What month are apricots ripe?
Late June through August is typically considered harvest time for apricots, according to Nebraska Extension. The color, juiciness and texture of the apricot continue to increase after the fruit leaves the tree; however, flavor and sweetness don’t improve after harvesting.
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.
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.
What happens if you eat too much 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.
Should you wash apricots?
Stone fruits such as apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and pluots should be rubbed firmly then rinsed under running water. Grapes, berries, and cherries should all be washed under running water just before eating.
How do you keep apricots longer?
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.
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.