• 3 milligrams phosphorus (9 percent DV)
Also, dried apricots contain some pantothenic acid, calcium, selenium, vitamin K, and riboflavin.
Apricot vs. Peach
It is easy to confuse apricots and peaches. Not only do they belong to the same family of fruits, but they share quite a few similarities in both their appearance and the nutrients they provide.
Apricots are smaller than peaches and have fluffy yellowish and orange flesh.
Peaches, on the other hand, are slightly larger, can range in color from white to bright yellow or red, and like apricots are covered in fine hairs.
Apricots tend to taste a bit more tart which is a great addition to baked goods and desserts.
From a nutritional point of view, the two fruits are very similar, with some minor differences.
Gram for gram, apricots are slightly higher in calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
Apricots also contain more vitamin A and vitamin C, although both contain comparable amounts of other micronutrients, such as vitamin E and vitamin K.
That said, both are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and including a few servings of each can be a healthy and nutritious way to give your diet a boost.
How to eat apricot
Apricots are easy to enjoy and full of flavor. If it’s eaten raw, just wash it off and feel free to eat all the fruit, the skin, and everything.
You can use a spoon to help gently scoop out the large pit, or apricot kernels, that are in the middle of the fruit.
For a simple and healthy treat, try adding an apricot to a bowl of Greek yogurt or even use it to complete your next bowl of cold oatmeal or cereal.
Alternatively, try using fresh or dried apricots in your cooking and baking recipes to increase both the flavor and nutritional profile of your dishes.
Apricot Recipes and Uses
If you’re feeling a bit creative, there are many ways to enjoy apricots other than chewing on the whole fruit.
Some of the most common ways to use apricots include making apricot baked goods and candies, as well as salads, sauces, and even meat dishes.
Also, instead of going for store-bought dried apricots, you can even try drying them at home.
Just use a dehydrator or pop them in the oven, bake on the lowest setting for 10-12 hours, and enjoy.
From sweets that use dried apricot to main dishes that use it to add a touch of sweetness, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas for fresh and dried apricots recipes:
• Easy Apricot Chicken
• Low sugar apricot jam
• Chicken Salad with Basil and Apricot
• No-Bake Apricot, Almond & Coconut Energy Bars
• Apricot Almond Butter Oatmeal Overnight
Apricot history
The apricot history remains controversial. Due to its scientific name, Prunus armeniaca – or Armenian plum – as well as its long history of cultivation in Armenia, many people believe that it originated there.
Others argue that it was first found in China or India thousands of years ago.
Regardless of their true origins, apricots have been a staple food in many cultures around the world for centuries.
The Egyptians, for example, commonly used apricots to make a traditional juice, while English settlers used apricot oil in the 17th century to reduce inflammation and treat tumors.
Today, most of the commercial apricot production in the United States takes place on the West Coast.
Almost all of the apricots come from California and a smaller amount comes from Washington and Utah. Globally, Uzbekistan produces the most apricots, followed by Turkey, Iran, and Italy.
Side effects of apricot
• Although apricot seeds are often enjoyed as a sweet snack, bitter apricot seeds can contain a large amount of amygdalin, a compound that can raise cyanide levels when consumed in excess.
If you eat apricot seeds, be sure to go for the sweet variety to avoid potential toxicity.
• Additionally, while dried apricots are high in beneficial nutrients, they are also high in carbohydrates and calories, which can lead to weight gain and increased blood sugar.
Keep your consumption in moderation and look for fresh apricots whenever possible to avoid overdoing it.
• Some people may also experience food allergy symptoms after eating apricots.
If you suspect that you may have an allergy to apricots or have any adverse side effects after eating them, discontinue use and talk to your doctor.
Final thoughts
• Apricots are stone fruit and are closely related to plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, and almonds.
• Raw apricots are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Dried apricot nutrition, on the other hand, contains a higher concentration of calories, carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrients.
• Apricot is also loaded with antioxidants and has been shown to reduce inflammation, support regularity, protect the liver, and promote eye health.
• Due to their tangy taste, apricots are incredibly versatile. They are a suitable complement to both sweet and savory dishes and can be used in bakery products, main dishes, jams, and sauces.
• Enjoy the apricot in combination with a healthy and balanced diet to take full advantage of the multitude of health benefits it can bring.
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