Apricots

Also Known As : Khubani, Jardalu, Jardaloo, Sarkkarai, Badami, Seema badam, Sheema pazham
Technical Name : Prunus armeniaca

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

It is naturally sweet in taste.

Usage Tips

  1. The unripened should be wrapped in a paper bag. While the ripe ones should be kept in a plastic bag or a container.
  2. When the apricot is ripening, do not refrigerate, rather should be kept at room temperature.
  3. Apricots are available both in fresh and dried form and acts as an extra hint in the ones meal.
  4. They are used for making jams, preserves, jelly, etc.
  5. It added in cakes and desserts that augments the flavour to the fullest. It is stirred in granola. It is also consumed fresh as snacks.
  6. Apricots are generally sweet and tarty in taste and flavour, hence happen to be a great replacement for plum and peach.

Common names and forms

  1. Apricot (Natural)
  2. Apricot Halves
  3. Organic Apricot

Description

Apricot originally happens to be from China, but it arrived in Europe via Armenia, hence it’s very scientific name Prunus Armeniaca draws its origin from Armenia. Apricots are basically drupes that are smaller than peaches, and softer than plums. When it is ripened, it develops a sweet-tart flavour. While in term of its appearance, they are small golden, orange in colour, with a velvety skin and flesh, though not that juicy, but definitely sweet and smooth. They have a  musky flavour, with faint tartness that happens to be very prominent when dried. Apricots need ample sunshine for its growth, hence its availability is relied upon the Mediterranean region. Although the dried ones are available throughout the year. Now coming on to its consumption, it can be consumed raw as well as in the dried form, and are also used in the preparation of jams, juice, squash, jelly and many more.

Health benefits

  • Apricot helps in the treatment of anemia because apricot is loaded with iron and copper, hence its consumption helps in the formation of hemoglobin.(1) 
  • Apricots are said to be great for skin, it is quickly absorbed by the skin and keeps the skin healthy and vibrant, therefore it is regarded very good for treating skin diseases like eczema, scabies, and other skin related irritations.(1) 
  • Apricot happens to be very hydrating as it is high in water content, thus it helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.(2) 

 

Selection Guide

One should purchase apricots only in the season, which happens to be mid-May through mid-August, in the northern hemisphere, while in the southern hemisphere, it is available from November to January. Always examine the texture, which should be firm and colour of the apricot at the time of purchase.

Note

There are no said side effects in consuming apricots, apart from some common allergies that might trigger in some people. However, there is a certain concern in regard to the dried ones as it contains sulfites, which is said to be a triggering agent to asthma, therefore, people suffering from asthma are said to keep at bay from the dried ones, rather they should consume the fresh ones.(3)

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