Apricot: properties and health benefits

Originally from the mountains of central Asia, the apricot is the fruit of the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca), a beautiful tree of the Rosaceae family that can give up to 100 kg.

Apricot properties

The apricot, aromatic and very sweet, is abundant in the three antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E), which is why it is a good ally for prevent cell degeneration caused by free radicals, which accelerate aging and are at the origin of many severe diseases, such as cancer.

To the antioxidant power of these vitamins are added their catechinswhich also counteract oxidation that can damage skin cells or tissues of internal organs.

Although it is rich in carbohydrates (fructose and glucose) it has a moderate energy power (50 cal/100 g) so it is recommended in slimming diets. Its richness in beta-carotene or provitamin A (three apricots provide 2,700 international units of beta-carotene, more than half the daily requirement), contributes to eye and skin health, as well as resistance to infections.

Apricot Benefits

Although it is always a pleasure to enjoy it at its optimal time (spring-summer) because it is delicious and nutritious as a dessert or snack to snack between meals, its consumption is also especially recommended in the following health disorders:

• nervous disorders (physical and mental fatigue, loss of appetite, nervousness, insomnia and depressive states).
• eye problems (dryness and irritation of the conjunctiva, loss of visual acuity).
• Skin and mucosa affections (prevention against infections and dermatitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis).
• Anemia.
• Prevention of degenerative diseases.

Practical tips

Since apricots are usually eaten with the skin on, it is preferable to buy them for organic consumption. They can be left to ripen at room temperature and hold up well to freezing.

The dried apricots (dried apricots) increase their protein value (5% protein) and energetic when removing the water, so they are suitable to take on excursions or when physical overexertion is required at work or in sports.

uses in the kitchen

The apricot has a juicy flesh with a sweet flavor and a slight acidity, something that makes it a versatile fruit, ideal for making cakes, sorbets, fruit salads and jams, or if you prefer, to take it plain, as simple table fruit In addition, both its fresh and dried pulp is suitable for cooking, being able to prepare both sweet and savory dishes.

Purchase and conservation
When buying apricots, they must be ripe, with smooth skin and firm pulp, and those pieces that are hard or those that do not have a nice orange color must be discarded.

Once at home they can be kept for a couple or three days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator. To keep them better, they will be stored in the lower part of the fridge without stacking them, or in perforated paper bags. Dried apricots or dried apricots should be kept in tightly closed glass jars and protected from moisture.