Our best ideas for enjoying seasonal apricots: recipes, tips and storage
Season full of flavor Sweet & savory ideas Conservation tip Smart budget
In summer, it's impossible to resist seasonal apricots : juicy, fragrant, sweet and tangy... Their orange flesh is a delight for gourmets. Whether you eat them plain, in a salad, roasted, or made into jam, apricots are a nutritional gem: rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants 🥗. What if you really took advantage of their short season to vary your pleasures? Discover all our tips, recipes, and tricks to never let an apricot spoil at the bottom of the basket again!
How to enjoy and enhance fresh apricots
Raw apricot, quite simply
Crunch them by hand, add them to a fresh fruit salad, or place a few wedges on top of plain yogurt. For a unique twist, mix them with flaked almonds or chopped mint. Fresh apricots also work wonders in smoothies—just pop them in the blender and you'll have a peppy drink!
Sweet recipes to die for!
- Rustic apricot tart : shortcrust pastry, apricots, a hint of brown sugar, a few pistachio shards... in the oven, it's the magic of summer.
- Instant compote : brown the apricots with a little honey and lemon, and presto, on toast or in a bowl of fromage blanc.
- Light clafoutis : apricots, almond milk, eggs, a touch of vanilla. Simple and fluffy!
For even more inspiration, take a look at our recipes of the week .
Savory & BBQ Ideas
- Fresh salad : apricots, burrata, basil, olive oil, pepper.
- Barbecue skewers : Halved apricots, marinated chicken, a touch of thyme. Put it all on the grill (and for more grilled ideas, check out our barbecue/grill selection).
- Express chutney : apricots, onion, vinegar, pepper, to accompany your meats or cheeses.
Smoothies, ice creams & drinks
Blended with peaches, bananas, or plant-based milk, apricots create creamy smoothies. You can also freeze them in chunks for a quick sorbet or to refresh your cocktails without diluting them!
Tips for keeping apricots at their best 🥗
Choose your apricots carefully
Choose soft, fragrant apricots, without any blemishes or bruises. Their color should be a deep orange, a sign of ripeness. Apricots that are too firm will ripen at room temperature, never directly in the refrigerator!
Optimal conservation
- Keep them in the open air if they are not ripe, or in a cool place once they are ripe (avoid the damp vegetable drawer).
- Want to extend their life? Cut them, pit them, then freeze them flat on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag. Perfect for smoothies or impromptu compotes!
Stop waste!
- A slightly wilted apricot? Perfect in compote, jam, or even roasted in the oven with a hint of honey.
- Anti-loss tip: cook them in crumbles, muffins, or pies. Even slightly damaged, they will add flavor and texture 🥗.
Express homemade jam
No need to be a pro! Cook the apricots with a little sugar and lemon juice, skim the foam, and you'll get a jam to spread, give as a gift, or keep for the winter. For air fryer fans, you'll also find cooking tips in our air fryer comparison !
Buy well without breaking the bank (and enjoy the whole season)
Choose apricots at the market, in bulk, or from a local producer for maximum flavor at a low price. In season, crates of apricots are often cheaper per kilo than trays in supermarkets. You can take advantage of this opportunity to prepare jars, coulis, or freeze them.
Budget tip: Share a crate with friends or family and organize a homemade jam or compote workshop! Good deals are easy to find in June, July, and August, the peak season for French apricots. For a delicious and smart summer, also take a look at our selection of blenders to transform your overripe fruit into vitamin-packed drinks, or explore our grill section to discover new apricot-savory pairings 🔥.
Apricot FAQ
How do you know if an apricot is ripe?
It should be pliable under pressure, deliciously fragrant, and a beautiful golden orange. If the skin is too firm, let it ripen at room temperature for a few days.
Can you freeze fresh apricots?
Yes! Cut them in half, remove the pit, and freeze them on a baking sheet before storing them in a bag. Perfect for smoothies, compotes, or off-season baking.
What quick recipe when they are too ripe?
Transform them into compote, instant jam, or slip them into a cake or muffins. Even a slightly wilted apricot adds flavor and softness!
Are apricots healthy?
Yes, they're rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber, and low in calories. Perfect for healthy summertime indulgence.
How can I prevent them from deteriorating too quickly?
Don't refrigerate them if they're not ripe. Store them in the open air, then chill them once ripe, or cook them at the first sign of fatigue!
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