Apricots
Did you know?
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The apricot is a native of China and has been cultivated for over
4,000 years.
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Today, the United States produces close to 90 percent of the world's
apricots, most being grown in California.
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Apricots are an excellent source of betacarotene (vitamin A) and
also provide vitamin C, iron, potassium, and fiber.
Using Apricots
Apricots can be halved or sliced then frozen in syrup made from
2 cups sugar to 5 cups water; add 2 ounces ascorbic acid for each 2-1/2
cups syrup. Plunge the whole apricots into boiling water for about thirty
seconds, and peel, pit and halve or slice.
Apricots can be made into wine and brandy.
Apricots are one of the best natural sources of Vitamin A, especially when
dried. Although it is one of the few vitamins which we can theoretically
build up to toxic levels, this doesn't normally happen if it is taken naturally.
Three medium apricots contain about 50 calories.
Apricots originally hailed from China. Cuttings of this golden fruit made
their way across the Persian Empire to the Mediterranean where they flourished.
The Spanish explorers get credit for introducing the apricot to the New
World, and specifically to California, where they were planted in the gardens
of Spanish missions. In 1792, in an area south of San Francisco, the first
major production of apricots was recorded.
Apricots are delicious eaten whole and fresh, and the good news is they
are low in sodium, calories and fat, so there is no need to feel guilty
no matter how many you eat.
Apricots are also high in fiber and low in calories, and make a good snack.
Weight for weight, dried apricots are an even healthier option as the drying
process increases the concentration of the beta carotene and fiber and also
the levels of potassium and iron.
See also: Apricot Food Facts.
Make Apricots Part of Your 5 A Day Plan
It is easy to include apricots in your meals. Try these great short
cuts to getting your 5 to 9 A Day!
•Slice them up for fruit salads.
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Puree apricots for sauces. The sauces are especially good on pancakes,
desserts, or meat.
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Use apricots whenever a recipe calls for peaches or nectarines.
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Add apricots to your favorite baked desserts.
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Pack them for your lunch, or have them as a snack
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Add apricots to low fat cottage cheese and your fruit smoothies.
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For a great tasting snack when hiking, add dried apricots to your
trail mix
Some Apricot Recipes...
Steamed Carrots with Apricots
Apricot Orange Bread
Apricot Easter Braids
Banana Apricot Loaf
