How To Store Apricots: Tips and Tricks

Apricots are a delicious summer fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways, whether it's eaten fresh, baked into a tart, or blended into a smoothie. However, to fully enjoy their sweet and juicy flavor, it's important to know how to store them properly. Below are some tips and tricks on how to store apricots so that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.

Choose Ripe Apricots

The first step in storing apricots is to choose ripe ones. Look for apricots that are slightly soft to the touch and have a bright orange color. If they're too hard, they're not ripe yet, and if they're too soft, they may be overripe and spoiled.

It's also important to smell them. They should have a sweet fragrance that lets you know they're fully ripe.

Keep Them Refrigerated

Once you've chosen ripe apricots, it's time to store them. One of the best ways to do this is to keep them refrigerated. Place them in a plastic bag or container and put them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh for up to five days.

However, it's important not to wash them before refrigerating them. Water can cause them to spoil faster. Wait until you're ready to eat them before washing them.

Freeze Them

If you have a surplus of apricots or want to save them for later, freezing them is a great option. Begin by washing them and removing the pits. Then, slice them in half or quarters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the apricots are frozen solid.

Once frozen, transfer the apricots to a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date. Frozen apricots can last up to six months in the freezer.

Dehydrate Them

Another way to store apricots is to dehydrate them. This method works well if you have a dehydrator but can also be done in an oven set to low heat.

To dehydrate apricots, start by washing them and cutting them in half. Remove the pits and place the apricot halves on a dehydrator tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set the dehydrator or oven to a low temperature (around 135°F) and leave the apricots to dry for 12-24 hours.

Once they're fully dried, let them cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container. Dehydrated apricots can last up to six months at room temperature.

Make Jam or Compote

If you have a lot of apricots that need to be used quickly, consider making jam or compote. This is a great way to preserve the flavor of apricots and make them last longer.

To make apricot jam or compote, start by washing the apricots and removing the pits. Chop them into small pieces and put them in a large pot with sugar, lemon juice, and any other desired spices (such as cinnamon or vanilla). Cook the mixture on medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a jam-like consistency.

Let the jam or compote cool down completely before transferring it to sterilized jars. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several months.

Ripe apricots

Avoid Storing With Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Apricots are sensitive to ethylene gas, which can cause them to ripen and spoil faster. To avoid this, don't store them with fruits that produce high levels of ethylene gas, such as apples, bananas, or avocados.

Instead, store them separately in the refrigerator or in a paper bag if you need them to ripen faster.

Dehydrated apricots

By following the tips and tricks above, you can store apricots properly and enjoy their delicious flavor for longer. Whether you choose to refrigerate them, freeze them, dehydrate them, or make jam or compote, there are many ways to keep these tasty fruits fresh and flavorful.

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