When you think about apricots, it’s easy to imagine their vibrant, juicy sweetness hitting your taste buds. These fruits, which ripen during the warmer months, aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants. But did you know that in Chinese Medicine, apricots are prized for their ability to moisten the lungs and boost yin fluids? If you’re curious about how to choose the perfect apricot or the traditional therapeutic uses of this fruit around the world, there’s much more to uncover.
Apricot Harvest Time
During the warmer months, you’ll find that apricots are typically ready for harvest. This season is the prime time for fruit picking, and you can enjoy the full, vibrant flavours of apricots.
How to Choose Ripe Apricots
To select ripe apricots, look for fruit that’s firm yet yields slightly to gentle pressure. This subtle give indicates ideal ripeness and quality. Fresh apricots should have a vibrant orange or golden colour, which signals they’re ready to eat. Avoid any with greenish hues, as they’re likely under-ripe. Check the apricots for a fragrant, sweet aroma—this is a good sign of their ripeness and flavour.
When choosing fresh apricots, inspect the skin for any blemishes or wrinkles. While small imperfections are normal, large bruises can affect the fruit’s quality. It’s also a good idea to feel the apricots for their texture. They shouldn’t be overly soft or mushy, as this might indicate they’re past their prime.
Remember, the ripeness of apricots can continue to develop at home. If you find apricots that are slightly under-ripe, you can leave them at room temperature for a couple of days to reach perfect ripeness. Once they’re ripe, store them in the refrigerator to maintain their quality and extend their freshness for a few more days.
Apricot properties in Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy
In Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy, apricots are valued for their ability to moisten the lungs and increase yin fluids, making them particularly beneficial for dry throat and fluid deficiency conditions.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the apricot kernel is often used to improve respiratory health and treat conditions like asthma. Here are some key benefits:
1. Lung health: Apricot kernels are often used to treat coughs, asthma, and other respiratory issues. They are believed to stop coughing and calm wheezing
2. Digestive aid: Apricots are thought to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation
3. Blood circulation: In TCM, apricots are believed to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis
4. Yin nourishment: Apricots are considered to nourish yin, which is associated with cooling and moistening properties in the body
5. Detoxification: Some TCM practitioners use apricot kernels to help detoxify the body, particularly in cases of skin conditions or tumours
Traditional therapeutic uses of Apricots around the world
Beyond Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy, apricots have been utilised for their therapeutic properties in various traditional practices around the world. These small, juicy fruits offer numerous health benefits.
In Ayurvedic medicine, apricots are valued for their ability to balance the doshas and improve digestion, thanks to their high dietary fibre content. This fibre helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. Additionally, apricots are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamins A and C, which protect your cells from damage and support your immune system.
In the Mediterranean, apricots have been used traditionally to promote skin health. The vitamin A in apricots supports skin repair and maintenance, while vitamin C helps in collagen production, keeping your skin youthful and vibrant.
In Middle Eastern traditional medicine, apricots are often recommended for their potential to alleviate respiratory issues. Their soothing properties can help with conditions like asthma or a dry throat.
Nutritional Content of Apricots
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 74 | – |
| Protein | 2.2 g | 4% |
| Total Fat | 0.6 g | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 17.2 g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% |
| Vitamin A | 148.8 μg RAE | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 15.5 mg | 17% |
| Vitamin E | 1.4 mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 401.5 mg | 9% |
| Copper | 120.9 μg | 13% |
| Manganese | 119.4 μg | 5% |
| Carotenoids | 2024.3 μg | – |
| Polyphenols | 230.1 mg | – |
Nutrition Facts of Apricots
Apricots pack a nutritional punch, offering a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. They’re rich in vitamin E, which is great for your skin and immune system.
The carotenoids in apricots, including beta-carotene, not only give them their vibrant colour but also support eye health. Additionally, apricots are a good source of potassium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
Both fresh and dried apricots are fantastic options when it comes to nutrition. Dried apricots have a more concentrated nutrient profile due to water loss during the drying process, which means they pack more calories and sugar per serving compared to their fresh counterparts. Despite this, they remain a convenient and nutrient-dense snack.
Don’t forget about apricot seeds either. While you won’t typically eat them in large quantities, they contain beneficial compounds like amygdalin, which some believe to have health benefits.
Healthy Poached Apricots Recipe
Poached apricots are a simple yet elegant dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. This healthy recipe uses natural sweeteners and aromatic spices to enhance the flavor of the apricots.
Ingredients:
- 8 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 2-3 whole star anise (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean and seeds (or vanilla extract), star anise (if using), and lemon or orange zest (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey or maple syrup.
- Poach the Apricots:
- Once the poaching liquid is simmering, carefully add the apricot halves to the saucepan, cut side down.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the apricots poach gently for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. The exact time will depend on the ripeness of the apricots.
- Cool and Serve:
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the poached apricots from the saucepan and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and let the poaching liquid simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it reduces slightly and becomes syrupy.
- Pour the reduced poaching liquid over the apricots.
- Chill (Optional):
- If you prefer to serve the poached apricots chilled, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the poached apricots warm or chilled, on their own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Use the poached apricots as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious breakfast.
- Add them to a salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, and toasted nuts for a unique and flavorful dish.
These healthy poached apricots are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apricots. The aromatic spices and natural sweeteners make this a delightful and nutritious treat. Enjoy!
