How to Select and Store Apricots
Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are a fine summer treat. They are stone fruit (drupes) that are smaller than peaches but softer than plums and they have a distinctly delicious flavour when ripe. Originally from China where they still grow wild to this day, apricots are a member of the rose family and are related to peaches.[1]
Steps:
1
Purchase fresh apricots when the season is peak. The season for locally fresh apricots is short (approximately mid-May to July/August Northern Hemisphere; November - January in Southern Hemisphere). Chile, South Africa and New Zealand send fresh apricots to the Northern Hemisphere countries during winter but these are obviously more expensive and are often not as tasty; see "Tips" on tree-ripened apricots.
2
Select for colour and firmness. Choose apricots that are firm to touch, plump in appearance and possess a deep orange or yellow/orange colour. [2] A red tinge is also often present. Look for fruit that is unblemished, as apricots bruise easily. Although squishier, bruised apricots are ideal for use in sauces, moisture and flavor addition in baked goods etc. So, if you can get them at a bargain price, don't overlook them.
3
Ripen immature apricots in a paper bag. If you cannot buy apricots that are ripe enough, use a paper bag to help ripen them. Fold the bag over and keep this bag at room temperature until the apricots have softened a little. Keep out of direct light and the apricots should ripen within 2 - 3 days.[3] Unripened apricots can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.[4]
4
Store apricots in a refrigerator. You can place apricots into a sealed container and refrigerate them for up to one week. Be sure that they are ripened first, as they will not ripen in the refrigerated environment.
5
Use overripe apricots immediately. Apricots that are no longer firm but have softened and taken on a lovely deep orange hue should be eaten immediately, or used in cooking before they become mouldy or mushy. They are still delicious at this stage but require immediate attention.
6
Twist an apricot in half to eat. A ripe apricot will open very easily with a small twist, to break it in half. This will reveal the stone on one side and the two halves can then be eaten easily. Or, just nibble around the stone and eat away the flesh if preferred.