Only buy apricots during the season when they’ve been grown in the U.S. This means late spring through the summer. While apricots can be found in the winter, these will have been grown in South America, Australia or New Zealand and shipped a long distance.
When can you buy apricots?
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. Fresh apricots are petite, round fruits that are pale to bright orange in color, depending on the variety and how ripe they are.
How do you keep apricots fresh longer?
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.
How can you tell when apricots are ripe?
They should be plump and firm, with just a little softness to them. If they’re hard, they’re not ripe; if they’re squishy, they’ve gone too far. Ripe apricots have a lovely, unmistakable floral fragrance, so give it the sniff test.
Where do the best apricots come from?
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% |
Are apricots in season now?
When are apricots in season? Apricots have a shorter season than other stone fruits (like peaches and nectarines). Most apricots come from California which has a growing season from May – July in northern California, and June – August in southern California.
What time of year 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.
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 long do apricots last in the refrigerator?
3 to 5 days
Unripe apricots need 1 to 2 days on the counter until they ripen. Once ripe, apricots last another 1 to 2 days at room temperature or 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you need more time, you can freeze them or make apricot jam. Cut apricots last up to 3 to 4 days when refrigerated in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Do apricots ripen at room temperature?
Apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, nectarines, peaches, pears, plantains, plums and tomatoes continue to ripen after being picked. Ripen fruit at room temperature. Once they are ripe, refrigerate.
Do you eat apricot skin?
It’s best to enjoy apricots whole and unpeeled, as the skin boasts large amounts of fiber and nutrients. Be sure to discard the stone, as it’s inedible. Summary Apricots are low in calories and fat while also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
Are apricots good for you?
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.
Will apricots ripen after they’ve been picked?
Apricots will ripen after they’ve been picked and there are a few advantages to picking them when they are still a little underripe: you can get the fruit before the wildlife do (including hungry neighbours); and the fruit is less fragile when picked and transported underripe.
How many apricots should I eat a day?
Apricots are a recommended health food
The recommended portion is 30gms (3 or 4 apricots). All dried fruit contains the same nutritional qualities as the original fresh fruit.
What are the tastiest apricots?
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 trees grow the largest and sweetest apricots known today! Exceptionally sweet, delicious, and classic apricot flavor of the same quality as Blenheim! Moorpark is a hardy and resilient cultivar that protects its delicate blossoms from unpredictable spring weather.
What do dried apricots do for your body?
One cup of dried apricots provides 94% of your body’s daily need for Vitamin A and 19% of its iron. Dried apricots also contain potassium and antioxidants and have been known to lower cholesterol and improve digestion. Dried apricots are fat-free, low in calories & high in flavor!
What fruit is in season right now?
Spring Produce
Fruits: Apricots, avocados, bananas, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, limes, oranges, passionfruit, pineapples, and strawberries.
Can fresh apricots be frozen?
Here’s how to freeze apricots:
Wash the apricot and pat dry. Break the apricot in half and remove the pit. Place the halves on a baking sheet and freeze overnight. Then next day, put in a freezer bag and store in the freezer.
What do apricots taste like?
Apricots are adorable little stone fruits with velvety golden orange skin and a tangy sweet flesh that tastes like a cross between a peach and a plum. Perhaps as commonly (if not more) available as fresh apricots are dried apricots.
What color is a ripe apricot?
light orange
RIPE APRICOT is a tanned light orange with a peach undertone. Depending on the light source or time of day, it may appear as a light orange-brown on the walls. Visualize this color in your own space.