In 1961, the Apricot Producers of California (APC) was established. It is a non-profit cooperative association providing information and services to its grower members within the major apricot-producing areas of California.
APC created a website that features practical information about California apricots. It contains nutritional information, serving suggestions, and tips on using and selecting California apricots. APC is actively involved in lobbying governmental and trade organizations; sponsorship of a variety of educational and informational efforts to the foodservice industry, dietitians, and consumers; participation and attendance of trade shows; and continued media enhancement.
Today, there are over four hundred apricot growers. They produce apricots from orchards covering 21,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley and northern California. About 95 percent of the apricots grown in the U.S. come from California.
Apricot Stone,
Eva Rivas, Armenia
Eva Rivas, Armenia
Fresh apricots range in color from yellow to deep orange. Avoid green apricots, as they will not ripen. When selecting fresh apricots, look for fruits soft to the touch and juicy. These are ready to eat. The fruits vary in size from about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter. The apricot should have a bright, ripe aroma. Stay away from bruised, soft, or mushy apricots.
Apricots will ripen at room temperature or can be stored in the refrigerator to prevent over-ripening. A hard apricot can ripen by placing it in a paper bag for one to two days. To freeze apricots, cut the fruit in half and place on a baking sheet until frozen. Once they are frozen, store them in plastic freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Apricots can be purchased fresh, canned, frozen, pureed, dried, and as nectar, both in juice and concentrated form.
Nutrition Information
Apricots are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, potassium, iron, and Vitamin A. They are also high in fiber and low in saturated fat and sodium. Apricots contain no cholesterol. Just three apricots contain 40 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin A.
Preparation
Apricots are great to eat raw, but they are excellent in fruit salads and added to baked goods such as pies, cakes, muffins, breads, puddings, and ice cream. They can be used in cooking and are compatible with many poultry and pork dishes.Canned apricots can be added to cereals, yogurt, cottage cheese, and smoothies. Fresh, canned, frozen, or even dried apricots can be served on top of waffles and pancakes. They can be pureed and used as a fat substitute.
