Apricots

Preparation

1. HEALTH BENEFITS

   Step 1

   Apricots’ vivid orange color hints at its particularly high levels of carotenoids (including beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, both precursors to vitamin A), which contribute to healthy eyes, skin, hair, gums, and glands. Additionally, beta-cryptoxanthin is associated with lowered lung-cancer risk. Apricots also contain a healthy supply of vitamin C and potassium. If you can’t get fresh apricots, choose dried ones; ounce for ounce, they have more than three times the fiber of fresh and a high dose of potassium. Most varieties of dried apricots are treated with the preservative sulfur dioxide to maintain their sunny color; it’s worth seeking out unsulfured fruit.

2. HOW TO BUY

   Step 2

   Choose plump, golden-orange apricots without soft spots. Once home, they shouldn’t sit for too long. Because apricots ripen more quickly than other stone fruits, they don’t travel well; buy locally grown apricots to ensure the best flavor.

3. HOW TO STORE

   Step 3

   Refrigerated, ripe apricots should last for two days.

4. PREPARATION TIP

   Step 4

   To peel a fresh apricot, first cut an X through the skin on the bottom, then blanch the fruit in boiling water for 20 to 60 seconds. When the skin starts to wrinkle, remove the fruit and plunge it into a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, peel the skin with your fingers or a small paring knife.

5. DID YOU KNOW?

   Step 5

   The Hunza people of northern Pakistan, whose diet is especially apricot-rich, are renowned for their overall excellent health. Their longevity is often attributed to their consumption of the small orange fruit.

6. recipes

   Step 6

   Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Apricots with Honey Glaze p.268

   Step 7

   Oven-Dried Fruit with Chocolate and Toasted Almonds p.339