How to Cook with Apricots (2024)

FAQs

What to do with lots of apricots? ›

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. calories and fat while also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

When it comes to preparing apricots, there's no need to peel them – all you do is cut the apricot around the natural line into two halves, then, holding the half containing the stone in one hand, give a little twist and squeeze as you remove the stone with the other hand.

Generally, you will need to remove the pit to cook with apricots. To do so, slice around the seam of the apricot (the part that meets the stem), then firmly twist the fruit open and take out the pit. You may also need to peel the skin, depending on the recipe.

Yes, you can freeze apricots. Start by cleaning, coring, and slicing the apricots into manageable chunks. Lay out the apricot chunks on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen apricot chunks to an airtight container, and return to the freezer.

Soaking dried apricots overnight can make them softer and easier to chew, which may be preferred by some people, especially if they have dental issues or prefer a softer texture.

Although there is no direct connection between apricots and weight loss, they are high in fibre and low in calories, making them suitable for weight loss. In addition, they are a low-calorie food, which makes them an excellent addition to your weight loss diet.

By softening the fruit and making it simpler to chew and digest, soaking dried apricots can help with digestion. Additionally, the higher water content encourages regular bowel movements and may lessen constipation symptoms.

Ripe apricots need to be stored in a refrigerator and will last up to a week. Apricots will not continue to ripen in the fridge, so make sure they are fully ripe before chilling. Overripe apricots won't last long, even if refrigerated. If your apricots are bruised, mushy, or otherwise damaged, don't worry!

Apricots work well in many savory dishes, particularly next to lamb and poultry, as well as in desserts and confections. Complementary spices include curry, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. For a real treat, try apricots in any recipe combined with pistachios or almonds.

Do you have to soak dried apricots before baking? ›

Rehydrate the fruits: Dried fruits can be quite hard and dry, so it's often a good idea to rehydrate them before adding them to your baked goods. To do this, simply soak the dried fruits in warm water or fruit juice for 15-20 minutes until they are plump and tender.

Apricots can be eaten raw, cooked or preserved.

I picked apricot, since it is a commonly found preserve that pairs well to most proteins. Duck, chicken, pork, beef, tofu, can all use a little loving from some apricots.

They also work well in savory applications. Apricot is excellent paired with mild cheese, and salted/cured meats, and is the perfect addition to charcuterie boards. It can be added to salads to add sweet and tart complexity, and bright yellow and orange color.

Store unripe apricots at room temperature. Then store them in the fridge, where they should keep for up to 5 days. PREPARE THEM BY: Remove the pits by running a paring knife around the fruit following its natural seam, then use your hands to gently twist the halves apart, and pop out the kernel.

Storage. Store fresh apricots in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Canned apricots and apricot nectar can be stored up to 48 months at 40/F, 24 months at 70/F, or 12 months at 90/F. Dried apricots can be stored up to 24 months at 40/F, 3 months at 70/F, or 1 month at 90/F.

There are three basic ways to preserve fresh apricots: freeze them, make apricot preserves, or dry them. You could also juice, can or make syrup out of them, but for the moment we will focus on the previous three methods.

Dried fruit can boost your fiber and nutrient intake and supply your body with large amounts of antioxidants. However, they are also high in sugar and calories, and can cause problems when eaten in excess. For this reason, dried fruit should only be eaten in small amounts, preferably along with other nutritious foods.

Dried apricots are nutritious but also calorie-dense due to their concentrated sugars. As a general guideline, consuming around 5 to 6 dried apricots (approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup) daily can provide beneficial nutrients without excessive calorie intake.