How to Make Fresh Apricot Recipes a Success: Tips, Storage, and Easy Seasonal Ideas
Summer season Fresh and juicy fruits Quick recipes 🥗 Anti-waste tips
A sunny fruit to enjoy all summer long
When summer arrives, it's impossible to resist the call of fresh apricots ! Their golden color, fruity aroma, and deliciously juicy flesh transform every bite into a little summer treat. But how can you really enjoy their flavor, prevent them from spoiling too quickly, and find ideas for cooking them without the hassle? Good news, you've come to the right place: I'm taking you on a complete tour of tips, recipes, and advice to make apricots the star of your home cooking 🥗.
Whether you enjoy them simply crunchy, in a salad, roasted on the barbecue, or in a smoothie, apricots suit every craving. Discover below how to choose them, store them, and find creative ideas so you never get tired of them!
Easy ideas to enhance fresh apricots
Fresh apricot, mozzarella & basil salad 🥗
Cut some ripe apricots into wedges, add mozzarella, basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of pepper. Simple, colorful, and super-quick for a starter that smells like summer.
Vitamin-packed apricot smoothie
To start your day, blend apricots with Greek yogurt, a touch of honey, and a few ice cubes. With a smoothie blender , it's ready in a minute! Perfect for recharging your batteries and feeling refreshed.
Barbecued Roasted Apricots 🔥
Looking for a unique dessert idea to accompany grilled meats? Cut the apricots in half, remove the pit, sprinkle with a little sugar or honey, then grill for a few minutes on the grill (discover our barbecue tips here ). They become soft and caramelized, a delight with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Sweet and savory apricot, cream cheese & walnut toast
Spread some cream cheese on a nice slice of wholemeal bread, add apricot slices, a few crushed walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and a little thyme. Perfect for brunch or a light meal, perhaps accompanied by a homemade smoothie.
Express apricot compote
Sauté chopped apricots in a pan with a pinch of sugar and a little lemon juice. In five minutes, you'll have a delicious compote, perfect on cottage cheese, toast, or as a cake topping.
For even more inspiration, take a look at this week's recipes on Neary, where seasonal fruits are in the spotlight.
Tips for keeping apricots fresher longer
Optimal daily conservation
- Keep apricots at room temperature until they are ripe. Once ripe, place them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process.
- Avoid piling them up, they are fragile and risk getting damaged more quickly.
- Anti-waste tip: if some apricots are a little too ripe, cook them quickly in compote, jam or in the oven to take advantage of their natural sugar.
Express preparation before tasting
- Wash the apricots just before eating them, never in advance, to prevent them from softening too quickly.
- To intensify their flavor, leave them at room temperature for an hour before serving.
Easy freezing for winter
- Cut the apricots in half, remove the pits, spread them on a baking sheet, and place them in the freezer. You can then store them in suitable bags.
- Ideal for making smoothies, compotes or desserts even out of season.
Got an air fryer at home? You can also roast apricots in it for a quick dessert! Check out our complete guide to the best air fryers of 2025 for a change.
Buying fresh apricots wisely: tips & budget
Ideally, choose locally grown apricots picked when ripe. A fresh apricot should be soft to the touch, but not too mushy, and have a sweet, floral aroma. Fruits that are too firm may lack flavor, while those that are blemished or bruised will not keep well.
Apricot season is in full swing from late June to mid-August. At markets or from small producers, you'll often find heirloom varieties, which are more aromatic than those found in supermarkets. And to limit waste, choose small baskets or "second category": perfect for homemade compotes or jams, at a low price.
Looking for a quick dessert or something different? Consider pairing apricots with other summer fruits like peaches, strawberries, or plums. For dessert ideas to share at a barbecue, explore our Barbecue & Grill selection for a fiery summer!
FAQ: Everything you need to know about fresh apricots
Can you eat the skin of apricots?
Yes, the skin is thin and edible. Simply wash the fruit thoroughly before eating to remove dust and residue.
How do you know if an apricot is ripe?
A ripe apricot is soft to the touch, well-colored, free of blemishes and bruises, and has a rich aroma. It's ready to bite into!
What to do with overripe apricots?
Turn them into compote, jam, or roast them in the oven or air fryer for a quick dessert. You can also freeze them for later.
Does apricot go well with savory dishes?
Yes, it adds a fruity touch to salads, toast, poultry dishes, or even a summer pizza. Dare to combine sweet and savory!
What utensils are useful for cooking apricots?
A good paring knife for pitting, a blender for smoothies, or an air fryer for roasted versions. Discover our selection of smoothie blenders to make your life easier.
Sources & inspirations
- Tips and recipes tested by the Neary team, summer 2025
- Barbecue Ideas: Neary Barbecue & Grill Collection
- Seasonal Recipes: Recipes of the Week
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