A relative of the peach, nectarine, plum and cherry, apricots (prunus armeniaca) are small stone fruits with a soft, velvety skin that ranges in colour from pale yellow to deep orange. They have a unique flavour that differs from peaches or nectarines because of their individual balance in sweetness and acidity. Also known as the Armenian plum, apricots are classed as a ‘drupe,’ or a fleshy fruit with a central stone that contains the seed.
Typically grown in warm climates and benefitting from lots of sunshine, most of the fruit sold in the UK originates from Spain, France, Morocco and Turkey. However, the last decade has seen the number of UK growers double in number. These growers are based largely in Kent and the Isle of Wight, and their crops help extend the growing season that starts in May through to mid-September. Apricots are incredibly versatile, suiting savoury dishes like a tagine, as well as desserts and puddings, including tarts and crumbles.
Why are apricots good for you?
- Rich in protective plant compounds
- May support vision and protect eyesight
- May support youthful skin
- May maintain digestive transit
- May support gut health
- May support the cardiovascular system
- May help manage high blood pressure
- May protect the liver
- May help in our fight against cancer
- May alleviate menopausal symptoms
Nutritional profile of apricots
An 80g serving of apricots provides:
- 25Kcal / 107KJ
- 0.7g protein
- 0.1g fat
- 5.8g carbohydrate
- 5.8g sugars
- 1.8g fibre
- 216mg potassium
- 324mcg carotenes
- 5mg vitamin C
An 80g serving counts as one of your five-a-day – that’s roughly three apricots.