Apricot
Apricot, Prunus armeniaca, is a species of
Prunus, classified with the plum in the subgenus Prunus.
The fruit is a drupe similar to a small peach, 1.5–2.5 cm diameter, from yellow to orange, often tinged red on the side most exposed to the sun; its surface can be smooth or velvety with very short hairs. The flesh is usually firm and not very juicy. Its taste can range from sweet to tart. The single seed is enclosed in a hard, stony shell, often called a "stone", with a grainy, smooth texture except for three ridges running down one side.
Culinary Uses of Apricots
Apricot is a luscious fruit that is fondly used as an ingredient in various sweet and savory recipes. Apricot dishes are either made with fresh apricots or with canned and dried apricots. The main characteristic of apricot is that it never loses its nutrients while cooking; hence it can be used in either form. The skin of the apricot contains lot of nutrients and it is quite healthy to use the fruit with skin. The apricot blends very well in several savory dishes such as
lamb and
poultry recipes. Apricot sauce and jams are quite famous in international cuisines. Confectionery items and desserts such as
cakes,
pies and
puddings are fondly made with apricot flavor. Apricot juice and preserves are commonly served in various cuisines. Apricot kernel is also widely used as an almond substitute due to its sweet flavor. Liquors are often flavored with apricots and apricot oil is also used as cooing oil. Apart from being a favorite ingredient in several apricot recipes, the fruit is popularly used to extract its nectar that is famous as ‘nectar of gods’.
Popular Apricot Recipes
1.
Apricot date chutney – It is one of the popular apricot recipes that are served as a condiment in Indian cuisine.
3.
Danish pudding – This dessert dish can easily be made with apricots.
5.
Fresh apricot soufflé – This is one of the most popular apricot dishes that are fondly served as desserts.
A
fat-soluble vitamin that's naturally present in many foods,
vitamin A is important for normal vision, proper immune system function, reproduction, and maintaining healthy skin, teeth, and skeletal and soft tissue.
Apricots provide a significant source of
potassium. Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that helps you
maintain proper fluid balance, aids in
muscle function, and
helps regulate heartbeat. Potassium also promotes
healthy digestion and strong bones.
Getting sufficient amounts of potassium each day can help you
maintain normal blood pressure and might reduce your risk of having a stroke. Apricots
contain significant amounts of both insoluble and soluble fiber, but are especially high in soluble fiber, which promotes and helps
maintain healthy blood glucose and cholesterol levels.Read More at
WikipediaAlso see
Acai Berry, Baby Kiwis,
Cantaloupe.
Recipe using Apricots see
Here and
Here.
