Did you know ?
- Dried apricots have 3x more iron and fiber than fresh ones.
- Armenia considers the apricot its national fruit.
- Some apricot trees can live and produce fruit for over 100 years.
Apricot
Apricots are small, golden-orange stone fruits with velvety skin and sweet-tart flesh. Rich in vitamins A and C, they are enjoyed fresh, dried, or in jams and desserts. Native to Central Asia, apricots thrive in temperate climates worldwide.
View other Stone fruits
Detailed nutritional values
Section titled “ Detailed nutritional values”Values of an average apricot (~35g) :
| Calories | 16 kcal |
| Proteins | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| of which sugars | 3g |
| Fiber | 0.7g |
| Fats | 0.1g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
How to know if an apricot is ripe
Section titled “ How to know if is ripe”
Perfectly ripe
Soft, fragrant, and sweet with deep orange color.
How to recognize this state :
- Slightly soft when gently squeezed
- Vibrant orange-gold color (some blush for red varieties)
- Sweet, floral aroma
- Easily detaches from the stem
- Juicy, balanced sweet-tart flavor
Advice for ripe products
A perfectly ripe apricot offers the best flavor and texture. Consume it quickly or refrigerate to maintain freshness for 3-5 days.
Varieties examples
Section titled “ Varieties examples”Chinese (Mormon) Apricot
Cold-hardy variety with edible kernels used in traditional medicine.
Blenheim
Considered the best-tasting apricot, with juicy, rich flavor and firm texture.
Moorpark
Large, exceptionally sweet, with deep orange flesh, great for preserves.
Goldcot
Firm, bright orange fruit excellent for canning and baking.
How to choose an apricot
Section titled “ How to choose ”To choose a quality apricot at the supermarket or market :
- Look for plump, slightly soft apricots with vibrant color
- Avoid green patches (unless it’s a green-ripe variety)
- Avoid bruises, cuts, or wrinkled skin
- Heavy-for-size apricots tend to be juicier
- Check for a sweet, fruity aroma
How to store an apricot
Section titled “ How to store ”Short-term (3–5 days) : Keep ripe apricots in the fridge.
Long-term (up to 1 year) : Freeze sliced apricots or dry them.
Prevent browning : Sprinkle lemon juice if storing cut apricots.
How to ripen an apricot
Section titled “ How to ripen ”If you bought an unripe apricot, here's how to speed up the process :
- Place apricots in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to speed up the process
- Warm countertop : Leave at room temperature out of direct sunlight
- Rice/bread box trick: Bury them to trap ethylene gas
- Microwave (for fast ripening) : Heat for 10 sec, then rest for 24 hrs
Health benefits of an apricot
Section titled “ Health benefits of ”- Strengthens bones (contains calcium & potassium)
- Supports digestion (rich in fiber)
- Improves skin health (antioxidant-rich)
- Anti-inflammatory properties (reduces oxidative stress)
- Aids heart health (lowers cholesterol)
Origin of an apricot
Section titled “ Origin of ”Apricots originated in Central Asia (China, Armenia, and Kazakhstan) over 4,000 years ago. They spread via the Silk Road to Europe and the Mediterranean. Today, Turkey, Iran, Italy, and Uzbekistan are leading producers.
Regions of origin
- China & Central Asia (wild ancestors)
- Armenia (cultivation since ancient times)
- Persia (Iran) (improved sweet varieties)
Cook an apricot according to its ripeness
Section titled “ Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Apricot chutney
- Green apricot salad
- Apricot-infused vinegar
Perfectly ripe
- Fresh apricot tart
- Apricot-glazed chicken
- Stuffed apricots (with goat cheese & nuts)
Too ripe
- Apricot jam
- Apricot liqueur
- Apricot leather (dried fruit roll-ups)
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “ Frequently asked questions”Warnings and precautions for an apricot
Section titled “ Warnings and precautions for ”- Wash apricots thoroughly to remove potential pesticide residues if not organic
- Excess dried apricots may cause bloating (high fiber/sugar)
- Diabetics should monitor intake (moderate glycemic index)
- Pits are choking hazards for children and pets
Do not confuse with
Larger, fuzzier, and juicier.
Firmer, darker, and more acidic.
Smooth-skinned, less tart.