Apricot: Taste, Nutrition, and Benefits Explained

Apricots are a sweet treat related to other fruit  favorites like plums and peaches. Let’s dive into how these juicy wonders can brighten up your kitchen and your day.

The Journey of Apricots

Apricots originated in China around 2000 B.C., winning over its ancient civilization with their sweet, floral taste and hint of tanginess. They traveled with merchants along the Great Silk Road, spreading through Asia, Europe, and eventually the Middle East. In the 1700s, Spanish missionaries brought apricots to California. Today the sweet fruit—which has gone by many names, including “apricot,” derived from al-birquq in Arabic and abricot in French—grows on six of the seven continents.

Apricots and Their Family

Apricot trees shine within the Prunus genus of the rose family, sharing lineage with plums, peaches, and cherries. The apricot itself is considered a drupe or stone fruit because it contains a single pit (or “stone”) surrounded by thick, sweet flesh. 

There are hundreds of different apricot varieties. We know them as pale orange-colored fruits, but there are also white and yellow varieties. Apricots have been hybridized with plums to produce apriums (more apricot than plum), plumcots (a plum/apricot mix), and pluots (more plum than apricot).

The Taste and Texture of Apricots

Biting into a ripe apricot offers a unique sensory experience. Apricots look like small, vibrantly orange peaches, but their fuzzy skin hides a sweet-tart flavor and much less juicy flesh. Unlike a peach, you don’t have to worry about eating an apricot over the sink!

Apricots are delicious eaten fresh out of hand but their flavor develops beautifully when they’re dried. The dried version is popular for snacking, baking, and even slicing into salads. 

The Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are excellent for your health. They’re rich in fiber and vitamins A, C, and E, and even contain protein and potassium. Here’s a quick rundown of the big benefits you’ll get from enjoying these little fruits.

Boost Eye Health

Apricots are packed with Vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy vision. Eating apricots regularly can help protect your eyes from age-related damage and support your overall eye health.

Strengthen the Immune System

Thanks to their dose of vitamin C, apricots can be a go-to fruit for boosting your immune system. Vitamin C enhances your body’s defense mechanisms, helping to ward off illnesses and reduce their severity.

Aid Digestion

Just one cup of sliced apricots (skin-on) can deliver 3.3 grams of fiber. This is great for your digestion, helping to regulate bowel movements, prevent digestive issues, and promote a healthy gut. The soluble fiber in apricots can even help regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Apricot Season

You might be able to find apricots at the grocery store year-round, but they’re truly in season during the late spring and early summer. In a way, they’re summer in a bite:  Their vivid orange glow, complemented by the soft, velvety texture of their skin, brings the warmth and joy of the season into your hands. Even their sweet, inviting aroma promises a taste of sunshine. 

So, do yourself a favor and enjoy apricots when the days are long and the smells of sunblock, fireworks, and chlorine linger in the air. Your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

1. Do apricots need to be peeled?

No, you don’t need to peel apricots. The skin is nutritious and adds to the flavor.

2. What’s the best way to eat apricots?

Apricots can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. They’re great in salads, desserts, or just by themselves.

3. Can I use apricots in baking?

Yes, apricots are great for baking. They can be used in pies, tarts, and cakes to add a sweet and tangy flavor.