Apricot Recipes
When thinking of apricot recipes I often dream of a delicious apricot tart or a jar of my mum's apricot jam. Yet this soft and juicy fruit is perfect for many vegetarian and vegan recipes. Most apricots found in UK shops are imported. Because they bruise easily during transport they are harvested when they are not fully ripe which takes away some of the flavour and sweetness. If you ever find yourself in a French market in the middle of Summer, try them there! It is a completely different experience! Dried apricots are a wonderful snack for both adults and children. Make sure to get organic unsulphured dried apricots. They tend to be darker in colour than conventional apricots but contain fewer chemicals and are generally better for you.
Can you cook apricots?
While a ripe apricot is best appreciated raw, you can cook apricots in a number of different ways: baked, broiled, grilled, poached or stewed. Some of my favourite cooked apricot recipes include savoury dishes such as tagines, pilafs or a variety of Middle Eastern cuisines.
What pairs well with apricots?
Curry spices go surprisingly well with apricots as well as cinnamon, vanilla, honey, chocolate, ginger, tarragon, pistachios, pecans and hazelnuts. For something, a bit different try adding apricots to grain salads with a dash of a soft white cheese such as goat cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta. In the summer I love making this Apricot & Blueberry Spiced Overnight Porridge flavoured with ginger and cardamom.
UK Season: July to August.
Nutritional Content: high in Vitamins C & A. Good source of fibre and potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and manganese.