Turkish apricots, also referred to as Mediterranean apricots, are a yellow-orange color. They are dried whole then pitted. When dried, they are plump due to the retention of moisture during the drying process. Dried Turkish apricots are juicy and have a mild, sweet flavor.
What is the difference between Turkish apricots and dried apricots?
Yellowish-orange Mediterranean (also known as Turkish) apricots are dried whole and then pitted. Their flesh is thicker and plumper than that of the California variety—not surprising since fruit dried whole will retain more moisture than halved fruit.
Are dried Turkish apricots healthy?
Health Benefits of Turkish Apricots
Dried apricots support heart health, eye health, respiratory health and digestive health. The potassium in dried apricots helps build muscles and supports organs and tissues. It also aids in regulating blood pressure.
Are Turkish apricots better?
In terms of nutrition, Turkish apricots have more calcium but have less beta carotene. Beta carotene is the red-orange pigment that gives apricots their hue. It is beneficial for health because it is converted into vitamin A in the human body.
Why are Turkish apricots called?
Turkish apricots are simply grown in Turkey. It is quite possibly a different cultivar (variety), since many cultivars are grown worldwide.
Are Turkish apricots from Turkey?
Turkish apricots are produced from the apricot varieties grown in Turkey. Due to local climate soil differences, Turkish apricots are the sought-after apricots in the world. Turkish apricots are mostly consumed in dried form.
How are dried apricots made in Turkey?
They are dried whole then pitted. When dried, they are plump due to the retention of moisture during the drying process. Dried Turkish apricots are juicy and have a mild, sweet flavor. Generally, it is best to choose dried Turksih apricot to use in cooking unless the recipe you’re using makes a different specification.
How many dried apricots should you eat a day?
Obviously dried apricots count as one of your five a day. 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 side effects of dried apricots?
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.
What happens when you eat too many dried apricots?
Dried fruits may cause you to have gas, abdominal cramping, bloating, constipation or possibly diarrhea. Avoid these negative effects by keeping your dried fruit intake to a small amount each day or split your portion into two separate servings.
Where are Turkish apricots grown?
Central Eastern Anatolia Region
apricots are grown throughout Turkey, about half the crop is produced in the Central Eastern Anatolia Region. Most important apricot producing centers in Turkey are Malatya, Erzincan, Aras valley (Igdir- Kagizman), Icel (Mut), Elazig, Sivas, Kahramanmaras, Kayseri, Nigde, Hatay and Nevsehir provinces (Figure 1).
Can a diabetic eat dried apricots?
Dry fruits such as apricots, dates, and raisins are safe food products to add to a diabetic-friendly diet. Individuals often are anxious about glucose sources and fruits are among those. However, a majority of fruits contain a low GI score. And, dry fruits contain a lower GI value.
Should I soak dried apricots?
If you plan to cook or bake with dried fruit, soaking it first will keep it plump and moist. It also prevents the fruit from absorbing excess liquid from the recipe.
Is it okay to eat dried apricots everyday?
The answer is, yes! Dried apricots also contain plenty of essential nutrients, like vitamin C, vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. They also include a fair amount of fibre.
What are the different types of dried apricots?
Dried apricots come in 2 main varieties, California and Turkish. These are obviously grown in different places, but there are other differences in color, flavor, and preparation. California apricots, while local, are less common.
How do you remove sulphur dioxide from dried apricots?
With sulphur dioxide being water-soluble, immersing dried food in warm water can remove most of its residual presence in the food. Firstly, rinse and wash the dried food with clean water to remove the dust and impurities on its surface before immersing it in warm water (40oC to 50oC) for 20 to 30 minutes.
Are Turkish apricots supposed to be brown?
Did you know that naturally dried apricots are supposed to be brown in colour? The bright orange ones contain sulphur dioxide making them look pretty but don’t do pretty things on the inside of your body!
Where do most dried apricots come from?
Before the 20th century, they were ubiquitous in the Ottoman, Persian, and Russian Empires. In more recent times, California was the largest producer, before being overtaken by Turkey, where about 95% of the production is provided by the Malatya Province. Small apricots are normally dried whole.
Are dried apricots good for diarrhea?
6. Avoid dried fruits such as prunes, including prune juice, raisins and apricots. Avoid seedy fruits such as berries and kiwi fruit.
Are apricots native to Turkey?
Turkish apricot varieties are included in the Irano-Caucasian group (Mehlenbacher et al., 1990). Turkey is one of the native spreading areas of apricot in the Near East of Central Asia (Bailey and Hough, 1975). Turkey is the leading country in fresh apricot production and dried apricot export in the world.
Do dried Turkish apricots have potassium?
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! Add to sweet OR savory recipes, dried apricots gives them a extra nutritional boost!