Apricots are a delicious fruit that come into season during the summer months. These small, orange-colored fruits are bursting with juicy sweetness and are a popular addition to many recipes. However, if you find yourself with an abundance of fresh apricots, you may be wondering what to do with them all.
Whether you’ve picked them from your own tree or picked them up at the farmers market, having too many fresh apricots can be overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to use these juicy fruits before they go bad. In this article, we’ll explore some creative ideas for what to do with too many fresh apricots, so you can make the most of your fruit harvest.
Creative apricot recipes to try at home
Apricots are a delicious summer fruit that can be used in a variety of ways. If you have too many fresh apricots on hand, be adventurous and try out some creative apricot recipes at home. There are plenty of interesting ways to incorporate apricots into your cooking, such as apricot jam, apricot chutney, and apricot salsa.
You can also experiment with making apricot-based desserts, such as apricot clafoutis or apricot tart. Additionally, apricots can be used in savory dishes like apricot glazed pork chops or roasted apricot chicken. Get creative and have fun with your apricot recipes – you may even discover a new favorite dish!
How to store and preserve fresh apricots
Fresh apricots are a great summer snack but they can ripen quickly and become overripe if not stored properly. One of the best ways to store fresh apricots is to keep them in the refrigerator. Make sure they are dry and place them in a plastic bag with a few holes to allow for ventilation. This will keep the apricots fresh for up to a week.
If you have too many fresh apricots, you can preserve them for later use. Apricots can be frozen, canned, or dried. To freeze apricots, wash and pit them, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. To can apricots, blanch them in boiling water, remove the skin, and pack them in jars with a sugar syrup. Dried apricots can be made in a dehydrator or by drying them in the sun. They will keep for several months and can be used in recipes such as baked goods, trail mix or as a snack.
The health benefits of consuming fresh apricots
Fresh apricots are not only delicious but also possess numerous health benefits. They are low in calories, making them a great addition to a weight-loss diet. These fruits are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer periods. Fresh apricots are a rich source of vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system and help prevent infections and diseases. They also contain antioxidants that protect your cells from damage and delay cellular aging.
Furthermore, fresh apricots are also known to regulate blood pressure levels, thanks to their potassium content. They help maintain cardiovascular health and prevent the onset of heart diseases. The high iron content of fresh apricots promotes the formation of red blood cells, which prevents anemia and fatigue. In conclusion, consuming fresh apricots offers a delicious and healthy way to boost your overall health and wellbeing.
Fun ways to incorporate fresh apricots into your daily meals
Adding fresh apricots into your daily meals is not only a delicious way to use them up, but also a great way to add nutrition into your diet. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you:
Firstly, you can incorporate fresh apricots into your breakfast routine by topping your cereal, oatmeal or yogurt with chopped apricots. You can also make a breakfast sandwich using toasted bread, cream cheese, and thinly sliced apricots. This sweet and savory combination will surely wake up your taste buds!
Secondly, fresh apricots make a great addition to salads. You can slice them thinly and toss them into a green salad with some crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans and a balsamic vinaigrette. Or, you can use them to create a more exotic salad by mixing them with chopped dates, mint, arugula and a lemon juice dressing. These fresh and colorful salads are both healthy and satisfying.
Delicious apricot desserts to impress your guests
Apricots make for the perfect ingredient in desserts. The delicious flavor of these fruits comes out in full force when baked or cooked with butter and sugar. Whether you are looking to make a simple dessert or something more complex to impress your guests, there are plenty of options when it comes to apricot desserts.
One classic dessert is the apricot tart. Simply slice apricots and arrange them on a pastry base, sprinkle with sugar and bake. Another option is the apricot crisp, which is a baked dish topped with a crunchy mixture of oats, sugar and butter. You can also try your hand at making an apricot galette, which is a rustic free-form pie made with apricots and a buttery pastry. You can serve any of these desserts with whipped cream or ice cream to make them even more delicious.
Top ways to use fresh apricots in cocktails and beverages
Fresh apricots can add a vibrant burst of flavor to any cocktail or beverage. One popular option is to muddle fresh apricots into a refreshing summer drink, such as a sangria or mojito. Another option is to infuse apricot flavors into homemade syrups or liqueurs, which can then be used in a variety of cocktails.
For those looking to experiment with more unique flavor combinations, consider mixing fresh apricots with spicy jalapenos or tart citrus juices. Apricots can also be used to create a delicious fruit puree, which can be added to a variety of cocktails to enhance their flavor profile. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory drink, there are plenty of ways to use fresh apricots in your favorite cocktail or beverage recipe.
How to turn excess apricots into homemade jams or chutneys
If you have too many fresh apricots, one of the best ways to use them is to turn them into homemade jams or chutneys. Making your own jams or chutneys is an easy and delicious way to preserve the fruit and enjoy it throughout the year. Plus, they make for great homemade gifts!
To make apricot jam, you will need to first pit and chop the fruits. Combine the chopped apricots with sugar, lemon juice, and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cook the mixture until the jam reaches a consistency similar to jelly. For apricot chutney, you can add additional ingredients like spices, vinegar, and onions to give it a sweet and tangy flavor. The chutney can be enjoyed as a condiment with cheese or meats. Allow the jam or chutney to cool and then store in airtight jars in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, having too many fresh apricots can be a delightful problem to have. There are many creative ways to use them, both in sweet and savory dishes. From apricot jam or compote to apricot-glazed pork chops or chicken, the possibilities are endless.
Moreover, if you have an excess of apricots, don’t hesitate to share them with family, friends, and neighbors. Fresh apricots are a delicious and nutritious treat, and spreading the joy of this fruit can be rewarding. In the end, having too many fresh apricots is a gift that can be enjoyed in many ways, and sharing it can bring even more joy to your life.