As the summer sun blazes and gardens flourish, July brings us one of the season’s sweetest and most nutritious fruits—the apricot. These small, golden fruits are delicious and packed with health benefits, making them a perfect addition to summer meals.
The Nutritional Value of Apricots
- Apricots are rich in Vitamins A and C, which support healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, is particularly abundant, helping to protect eyesight and maintain a healthy complexion.
- With their high fiber content, apricots aid digestion and promote a healthy gut. This fiber can also help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full, making them an excellent snack choice.
- Loaded with polyphenols, flavonoids, and beta-carotene, apricots help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- They’re also a great source of potassium and iron, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function and preventing anemia.
Did You Know?
- Apricots, which have been cultivated for thousands of years, originated in China before spreading to Persia and the Mediterranean. They were a prized delicacy in ancient Rome and were brought to the New World by Spanish explorers.
- Apricots belong to the same family as peaches, plums, and cherries – the stone fruits known for their hard pits or “stones” in the center.
Selecting the Best Apricots
Rich Color
Choose apricots that are a rich orange or golden hue. Avoid those with greenish tints, as they may not be fully ripe.
Firmness
Ripe apricots should be slightly firm but yield to gentle pressure. Overly soft or mushy apricots may be overripe.
Blemishes
Avoid apricots with noticeable blemishes, bruises, or wrinkled skin, indicating poor quality or overripeness.
Storing Apricots for Optimal Freshness
Short-Term Storage
If your apricots are ripe, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Ripening
If they are still firm, leave them at room temperature for a few days to ripen—once ripe, transfer them to the refrigerator.
Freezing
For more extended storage, you can quickly freeze apricots. Slice them in half, remove the pit, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
More Ways to Enjoy Apricots
Incorporating apricots into your diet is easy and delicious with these simple ideas:
- Enjoy fresh or dried apricots as a snack or with a handful of nuts for a satisfying, healthy treat.
- Add sliced apricots to salads for a sweet, juicy contrast to greens and savory ingredients.
- Grill halved apricots for a caramelized, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with meats or as a dessert with a drizzle of honey.
- Use apricots in muffins, tarts, or cakes for summer sweetness in your baked goods.
Recipe: Grilled Apricot and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients:
- 6 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or your favorite mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Apricots: Brush the apricot halves with a bit of olive oil. Place them on the grill, cut side down, and grill for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly charred and softened. Remove from the grill and let cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter. Top with grilled apricots, crumbled goat cheese, toasted almonds, and dried cherries.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad as a light lunch or a delightful side dish at your next summer gathering.