How to Store Apricots

TL;DR

Select firm, ripe apricots for optimal storage and avoid bruised or overly soft fruits
Store ripe apricots in the refrigerator at 32-36°F (0-2°C) for up to a week
Freeze apricots for long-term storage, maintaining quality for up to 12 months
Properly can or dry apricots for room temperature storage lasting 6-18 months
Regularly inspect stored apricots and discard any showing signs of mold or spoilage

Introduction

Apricots, those golden orbs of summer sweetness, are a fleeting pleasure. Their season is short, but with proper storage, you can extend the joy of these delicate fruits. Mastering apricot storage isn’t just about preventing waste—it’s about preserving flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

The way you store apricots can make or break their quality. Proper techniques can keep them juicy and flavorful for days or even months, depending on the method. As we dive into the world of apricot storage, you’ll discover how to make the most of these sun-kissed fruits, whether you’re dealing with a small basket or a bountiful harvest.

Understanding Apricot Varieties

Not all apricots are created equal, and knowing your varieties can help you store them more effectively.

The Blenheim apricot, with its intense flavor and tender flesh, requires gentle handling and quick consumption or preservation. On the other hand, the firmer Patterson apricot can withstand longer storage periods.

Turkish apricots, known for their sweetness, benefit from room temperature ripening before storage. The tart Tilton variety, however, holds up well in cold storage and is excellent for canning.

Understanding these differences allows you to tailor your storage approach, ensuring each variety maintains its unique qualities.

Selecting Apricots for Storage

Choosing the right apricots is crucial for successful storage. Look for fruits that are plump and firm with a vibrant orange color. A slight give when gently squeezed indicates ripeness.

Avoid apricots with green tinges—they were picked too early and won’t ripen properly. Equally, steer clear of overly soft or bruised fruits, as they’ll spoil quickly.

Remember, apricots are climacteric fruits. They’ll continue to ripen after picking, so consider how soon you’ll use them when selecting. For immediate enjoyment, choose softer fruits. For storage, opt for firmer ones.

Seasonal considerations matter too. Early season apricots tend to be more tart and firmer, making them ideal for cooking and canning. Late season fruits are often sweeter and juicier—perfect for fresh eating but requiring more careful storage.

Preparing Apricots for Storage

Cleaning and Sorting

Before storing apricots, give them a gentle bath. Fill a bowl with cool water and add a splash of white vinegar. This natural disinfectant helps remove any surface bacteria.

Gently swish the apricots in the water, then rinse under cool running water. Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel—excess moisture can lead to mold.

As you clean, sort your apricots. Remove any stems or leaves, and separate the fruits based on ripeness. This step prevents overripe fruits from hastening the decay of others.

Handling to Prevent Damage

Apricots bruise easily, so handle them with care. Treat them like eggs—gentle movements prevent internal damage that can lead to premature spoilage.

When moving apricots, cradle them in your palms rather than grasping with fingertips. If you’re working with a large quantity, consider lining your work surface with a soft cloth to provide a cushion.

For long-term storage methods like freezing or canning, cut apricots with a sharp knife on a stable surface. This precision minimizes cellular damage and preserves the fruit’s integrity.

Short-Term Storage Methods

Room Temperature Storage

For apricots that aren’t quite ripe, room temperature storage is ideal. Place them in a single layer in a shallow bowl or on a countertop away from direct sunlight.

The ideal temperature range is between 65-70°F (18-21°C). Higher temperatures speed up ripening, while cooler temps slow it down.

Check your apricots daily. As they ripen, you’ll notice a sweeter aroma and a slight softening. Once they reach your desired ripeness, eat them promptly or move them to the refrigerator.

Room temperature storage typically keeps apricots fresh for 2-3 days, depending on their initial ripeness.

Refrigeration Techniques

Ripe apricots benefit from refrigeration, which slows down the ripening process. The ideal temperature for storing apricots in the fridge is around 32-36°F (0-2°C).

Place apricots in a plastic bag with a few small holes for air circulation. The crisper drawer, which maintains higher humidity, is the perfect spot for these delicate fruits.

Avoid washing apricots before refrigeration—excess moisture promotes mold growth. Instead, wash them just before eating.

Properly refrigerated, ripe apricots can last up to a week. But remember, cold temperatures can dull their flavor, so let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste experience.

Long-Term Storage Options

Freezing Apricots

Freezing apricots allows you to enjoy their sunny flavor year-round. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Wash and dry the apricots.
Cut them in half and remove the pits.
Optional: Peel the skin if desired (it can become tough when frozen).
Arrange the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Freeze until solid (about 4 hours).
Transfer to freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

For added protection against freezer burn, you can dip the apricot halves in a mixture of 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 quart of water before freezing.

Frozen apricots maintain their quality for up to 12 months. They’re perfect for smoothies, baking, or making jam.

Drying Apricots

Drying concentrates the apricots’ sweetness and creates a chewy, portable snack. You can dry apricots using a food dehydrator, an oven, or even the sun (in dry climates).

Using a food dehydrator:

Wash, halve, and pit the apricots.
Arrange on dehydrator trays, cut side up.
Dry at 135°F (57°C) for 12-18 hours, or until leathery but still pliable.

For oven-drying:

Prepare apricots as above.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Set oven to lowest temperature (usually 170°F/76°C).
Prop the oven door open slightly for air circulation.
Dry for 10-12 hours, checking regularly.

Properly dried apricots can last up to 6 months at room temperature, or up to a year if refrigerated.

Canning Apricots

Canning preserves apricots for long-term storage at room temperature. It requires some equipment and attention to safety, but the results are worth it.

You’ll need:

Canning jars with new lids
Large pot for water bath canning
Jar lifter and canning funnel

Basic steps:

Sterilize jars and lids.
Prepare a light syrup (2 cups sugar to 4 cups water).
Peel and halve apricots if desired.
Pack apricots into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Cover with hot syrup.
Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace.
Wipe jar rims and apply lids.
Process in boiling water bath for 20-30 minutes (depending on jar size and altitude).

Properly canned apricots can last up to 18 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

Maintaining Stored Apricots

Regular checks are key to maintaining stored apricots. For fresh apricots, inspect daily for any signs of over-ripening or mold. Remove any spoiled fruits immediately to prevent spread.

For frozen apricots, ensure the freezer maintains a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Check packaging for any signs of freezer burn.

Dried apricots should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Periodically check for any moisture or mold development.

Canned apricots require the least maintenance. Store jars in a cool, dark place and check occasionally for any signs of seal failure or unusual discoloration.

Signs of Spoilage

Knowing when apricots have gone bad is crucial for food safety. Here are key indicators:

Mold: Any sign of fuzzy growth is a clear indication to discard the fruit.
Discoloration: Brown or dark spots that weren’t there before suggest decay.
Texture changes: Extreme softness, mushiness, or a shriveled appearance are red flags.
Off-odors: Any fermented or unpleasant smell indicates spoilage.
Unusual tastes: If an apricot tastes off, spit it out and discard the rest.

Trust your senses. If anything seems amiss, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard the fruit.

FAQs About Apricot Storage

Q: Can I store apricots with other fruits? A: It’s best to store apricots separately. They’re sensitive to ethylene gas produced by some fruits, which can speed up ripening.

Q: How long do canned apricots last once opened? A: Once opened, transfer canned apricots to a covered container and refrigerate. Use within 5-7 days.

Q: Can I refreeze thawed apricots? A: It’s not recommended. Refreezing can lead to texture changes and potential bacterial growth.

Q: What’s the best way to thaw frozen apricots? A: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results. For quicker thawing, place sealed bag in cold water.

Q: How can I tell if dried apricots have gone bad? A: Look for mold, off-odors, or extreme hardness. Properly stored dried apricots should remain pliable.

Conclusion

Mastering apricot storage opens up a world of possibilities. From enjoying fresh fruits at their peak to preserving summer’s bounty for winter months, these techniques allow you to savor apricots in various forms throughout the year.

Remember, the key to successful storage lies in selecting quality fruit and using the method best suited to your needs and timeline. With these skills in your culinary toolkit, you’re well-equipped to make the most of every apricot that comes your way.