The best summer recipes with fresh apricots: tasty ideas and preparation tips
Fresh apricots Summer Recipes Preparation tips Gourmet & vitamin-rich
Why cook fresh apricots?
Summer rhymes with apricot: juicy, tangy, and sweet, it brings vibrancy to our plates as soon as the weather is nice. Fresh apricots are the ultimate chameleon ingredient: they slip into ultra-gourmet desserts, but also into salads, grilled dishes, and even smoothies. Full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they allow you to indulge while taking care of yourself. What's more, they can be prepared in the blink of an eye, without the need for complicated equipment: a knife, a good mood, and voila!
Want to mix things up this summer? Put apricots at the heart of your cooking: they love the simplicity of a fresh salad, the generosity of a clafoutis, or the creativity of a sweet and savory dish. Ready to be inspired? Discover below how to transform this little orange fruit into the star of your summer table!
Summer recipe ideas with apricots
Fresh apricots reveal their full potential in recipes that are both simple and impressive. Here's how to enhance them throughout the summer:
Fresh apricot, mozzarella & basil salad 🥗
Cut ripe apricots into wedges, add mozzarella, a few basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of fleur de sel. Try it with arugula for a touch of pep!
Grilled Apricots on the Barbecue 🔥
Halve the apricots, remove the pit, and grill them for a few minutes. Enjoy with a drizzle of honey and a hint of fresh thyme. Perfect for a summer barbecue !
Quick Apricot Clafoutis
Mix eggs, flour, sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla. Add your chopped apricots and bake for a soft, sunny dessert. Try it while still warm with a scoop of ice cream 😋.
Vitamin smoothie blender
Blend the pitted apricots with yogurt and a little honey. For extra creaminess, use a suitable smoothie blender . You can add mint leaves or a few ice cubes for freshness.
Savory toast with goat cheese, apricots & herbs
Spread fresh goat cheese on a slice of toast, arrange apricot segments, and sprinkle with lemon thyme. Perfect for a light aperitif or brunch.
Quinoa, apricot, feta & mint salad
A blend of cooked quinoa, chopped apricots, a little crumbled feta, and mint leaves. A complete, fresh, and super-quick dish to prepare for your summer lunches.
For more inspiration, discover new recipes with fresh apricots or other seasonal fruits every week in the Recipes of the Week section.
Tips for enhancing fresh apricots 🥗
Choosing your apricots carefully
Choose fruit that's soft to the touch and has velvety, fragrant skin. Avoid those that are too firm or greenish: apricots don't ripen once picked. For optimal flavor, consume them within two to three days of purchase.
The art of cutting
Cut the apricot in half with a small knife and carefully remove the pit. If you want nice, even wedges for a salad, slice from the top down, keeping the skin on (a source of fiber!).
Preserve its color and taste
To prevent them from browning, sprinkle your pieces with a squeeze of lemon. This also adds a tangy touch that enhances the fruit's flavor. Ideal for pies, compotes, or salads.
Quick cooking and healthy recipes
Apricots cook very quickly! A few minutes in the oven, pan, or air fryer are enough to make them tender. Leave the skin on to retain vitamins and texture.
Combine flavors
Apricot pairs wonderfully with vanilla, almonds, honey, thyme, goat cheese, and pistachios. You can also try a sweet and savory combination by adding it to a grilled vegetable salad or white meats.
Conservation tip
If you have a lot of ripe apricots, consider freezing them cut in half, or making a quick compote for breakfast toast. This avoids waste while prolonging the enjoyment.
Choosing and buying your apricots carefully
Apricots remain readily available during the peak season, especially at markets or through local channels. To get the best value for money, choose to buy between June and August. This is when apricots are at their tastiest and most affordable. Don't hesitate to ask for a tasting: a good apricot smells of sunshine and has firm, yet juicy flesh.
If you want to treat yourself without breaking the bank, opt for batches or crates of slightly damaged apricots: perfect for homemade compotes, jams, or smoothies (a chance to test out your smoothie blender !). And if you want to extend the summer, consider preparing them grilled, especially during your barbecue meals, or incorporating them into original savory dishes.
FAQ about fresh apricots
How to prevent fresh apricots from spoiling too quickly?
Ideally, apricots should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Once fully ripe, you can place them in the refrigerator to slow down their ripening, but remember to take them out an hour before eating to bring out their full flavor.
Can you freeze fresh apricots?
Yes! Cut them in half, remove the pit, and place them on a baking sheet before freezing. You can then use them for pies, compotes, or smoothies, even in winter.
What to do with overripe apricots?
Turn them into compote, jam, or add them to a moist cake. Very ripe apricots are also perfect for adding flavor to a smoothie or fruity salad.
Should you peel apricots before cooking them?
It's not essential! The skin provides fiber and color. If it's thick or a little bitter, you can remove it, but most of the time it blends perfectly into preparations.
Where can I find recipe ideas with apricots?
Visit Recipes of the Week to discover delicious and creative ideas based on apricots and seasonal fruits.
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