How to Buy the Best Apricots

Your Guide to buying the best Apricot

Overview

Apricots are an incredibly popular summer fruit, and for good reason. They’re sweet and juicy, and a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. But how do you know which apricots to buy? This buying guide will help you understand the different varieties of apricot, what to look for when selecting apricots, and how to store and use them. With this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy apricots to their fullest potential.

Key features

  • Variety - Consider the variety of apricots available, which range from tart to sweet in flavor and light yellow to dark orange in color.
  • Seasonality - Apricots are only available for a short window in the summer months, so plan to purchase them when they are in season.
  • Firmness - Firmness is an indicator of ripeness. Apricots should be slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy.
  • Color - Apricots should have a deep orange color. Avoid any apricots with green spots or blemishes.
  • Smell - Apricots should have a sweet and fragrant aroma. Avoid any apricots with a sour smell.

See the most popular Apricot on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Health Benefits: Apricots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial to your health. They are high in fiber, potassium, beta carotene, and Vitamin A, C, and E.
  • Delicious Taste: Apricots have a sweet and tangy flavor that makes them a favorite of many. They are juicy and can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked.
  • Versatility: Apricots can be used in recipes from salads and smoothies to cakes and jams. They are also a great snack on their own and make a great addition to yogurt or oatmeal.
  • Easy to Store: Apricots are relatively easy to store and can last for up to two weeks when refrigerated. Dried apricots can also be stored for longer periods of time.

Cons

  • Cost - Apricot can be expensive to purchase and maintain, depending on the specific model.
  • Storage Space - Some Apricot models offer limited storage space.
  • Brand Reputation - Apricot is not as well-known or reliable as some of its competitors.
  • Durability - Apricot can be susceptible to wear and tear, depending on the model.
  • Availability - Apricot products are not as widely available as some other brands.

Best alternatives

  1. Mango - juicy, sweet fruit that can be used as a substitute for Apricot in many recipes
  2. Peach - a stone fruit with a sweet, juicy flavor and a similar texture to Apricot
  3. Plum - a tart and juicy fruit that can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for Apricot
  4. Nectarine - a sweet and juicy fruit with a slightly firmer texture than Apricot
  5. Cherry - small, tart fruit with a similar flavor profile to Apricot

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Apricot Kernel Oil - a light oil extracted from apricot kernels that is a popular carrier oil used in aromatherapy and cosmetics
  • Apricot Kernel Butter - A butter made from the oil extracted from apricot kernels that is used in soap making and cosmetics formulations
  • Apricot Kernel Flour - A flour made from dried, ground apricot kernels, containing a high level of vitamins and minerals
  • Apricot Jam -A sweet, fruity condiment made from apricots that can be used in baking, as a topping, or eaten plain
  • Apricot Juice - A refreshing, sweet beverage made from apricots that can be used in smoothies, cocktails, or as a drink on its own
  • Apricot Extract - A concentrated extract made from dried apricots, widely used in baking, as a flavoring agent, and to add a fruity note to dishes

Common questions

  1. What is Apricot? Apricot is a type of stone fruit that is related to peaches and nectarines. It has a smooth, velvety skin with a yellow-orange hue and a sweet, juicy flesh.
  2. What is the best way to store Apricots? Apricots should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, but should be used as soon as possible after purchase.
  3. Are Apricots healthy? Yes, apricots are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and other minerals.
  4. What is the best way to prepare Apricots? Apricots can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked. They can be added to salads, used as a topping for oatmeal or cereal, or used as a filling in pies and tarts.
  5. What is the best way to buy Apricots? Apricots should be bought when they are ripe and soft. Avoid apricots that are hard or have any bruises or discoloration. The best apricots are the ones that are slightly fragrant and yield to gentle pressure.

Trivia

An interesting fact about apricots is that they are believed to be native to China, and have been eaten there for centuries. Apricots were so coveted by the Chinese upper class that they were often given as gifts during important ceremonies. This shows just how highly the Chinese culture values apricots! This information can be found on the website of the California Apricot Council, here.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.