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.
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% |
How do you know when an apricot is ready to eat?
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.
What should I look for when buying an apricot?
They should be purchased ripe or slightly under-ripe. Avoid choosing any with green coloration or brown soft spots. Instead, select fruit that yields slightly to the touch and has a uniform color. Keep in an untied plastic bag in the fridge for no more than three to five days.
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.
How many apricots should I eat a day?
2. Apricots are a recommended health food. Obviously dried apricots count as one of your five a day. The recommended portion is 30gms (3 or 4 apricots).
What is the best tasting apricot?
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.
Should you refrigerate apricots?
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 long do apricots keep in the fridge?
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 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.
Which apricots are 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.
How do you wash fresh 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.
What animal eats apricots?
Squirrels eat apricots and are more than happy to climb a tree and feast on the fruit right from the branch.
What are the side effects of eating apricots?
Side Effects of Apricot:
A compound called amygdalin is present in apricot kernels. This compound converts into cyanide after consumption. Cyanide poisoning can lead to nausea, headaches, thirst, lethargy, nervousness, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and reduced blood pressure.
Which fruits help burn belly fat?
- Peach. Peaches are rich in dietary fibre.
- Apple. An apple a day may help keep belly fat away too.
- Tomato.
- Pineapple.
- Strawberries.
- Watermelon.
- Oranges.
- Kiwi.
What happens when 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.
Can I eat apricots at night?
They are a great evening snack because they have have a fair amount of fibre and they’re one of the few foods that naturally contain melatonin. Illustrated by Louisa Cannell. Not into cherries? Try apricots, which come with a relaxing combination of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fibre.
Are apricots a Superfood?
Superfood #12: Apricots
Apricots are stuffed full of beta-carotene and antioxidants. They also contain nutrients such as carotenoids and xanthophylls, which improve night vision and put the brakes on age-related eyesight issues. Apricots also contain catechins, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents.
Is apricot good for weight loss?
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.
Which state grows the most apricots?
California
California grows the most apricots
California is the top apricot-producing state in the U.S., per Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. As noted by the Fruit Guys, apricot production moved from the San Francisco Bay area to the San Joaquin Valley, another locale in the Golden State after WWII.
What zones do apricots grow in?
Apricot trees are hardy to USDA zones 4-9, unless otherwise noted .