Apricots are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to their availability in canned form. One cup of whole, without pits apricots (solids and liquids without skin, heavy syrup pack, canned) contains around 214 calories.

Not only do canned apricots provide a convenient and affordable option, but they also offer various health benefits. They are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin A.

In this article, we'll provide some tips on using canned apricots in your cooking, choosing the best canned apricots, and share some delicious recipes to try.

Nutritional Information

As mentioned earlier, canned apricots are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin A. One cup of canned apricots also contains around 3 grams of protein and 57 grams of carbohydrates. However, it is important to note that canned apricots may contain added sugars due to the heavy syrup pack they are canned in. To reduce the amount of added sugars, look for canned apricots that are packed in their own juice or water instead of heavy syrup. Overall, canned apricots make a great addition to any diet due to their various vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits

Like fresh apricots, canned apricots offer various health benefits. One cup of canned apricots contains around 4.4 grams of fiber, which is 18% of the daily recommended value for adults. Fiber can help regulate digestion and lower the risk of various diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Canned apricots also contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases. Vitamin A is another key nutrient found in apricots that promotes healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Overall, including canned apricots in your diet can provide a range of health benefits and help you meet your daily nutrient needs.

Cooking With Canned Apricots

Canned apricots can be used in various ways in your cooking, making them a versatile ingredient to have on hand. They can be used in sweet and savory dishes alike. For savory dishes, canned apricots pair well with poultry, pork, and lamb. They can be used as a glaze for roasted meats or added to stews and tagines for a sweet and savory flavor. In sweet dishes, canned apricots can be used in pies, tarts, cakes, and crumbles. They can also be added to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls for a fruity twist.

Using Canned Apricots in Desserts

Canned apricots can take your desserts to the next level. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Apricot crumble: Top canned apricots with a crumble mixture made of flour, oats, butter, and sugar. Bake until golden brown and crispy.
• Apricot tart: Place canned apricots on top of a pre-baked tart crust and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until the apricots are caramelized and tender.
• Apricot ice cream: Blend canned apricots with heavy cream and sugar, then churn in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with your own apricot dessert recipes.

Adding Canned Apricots to Salads

Canned apricots can add a sweet and tangy flavor to your salads. Here are some salad ideas to try:

• Grilled chicken salad with apricots: Grill chicken breast and arrange on a bed of mixed greens with canned apricots, crumbled feta cheese, and honey mustard vinaigrette.
• Spinach salad with apricots: Toss fresh baby spinach with sliced canned apricots, chopped walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette.
• Couscous salad with apricots: Make a couscous salad with canned apricots, chickpeas, diced cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.

Adding canned apricots to your salads can provide a sweet and fruity contrast to bitter greens and savory dressings.

Apricot, Canned or Fresh?

Fresh apricots are a delicious and nutritious option when they are in season. However, canned apricots offer some unique advantages as well. They are available year-round, making them a convenient and affordable option. They are also pre-pitted and peeled, which makes them less messy and time-consuming to prepare. When choosing between fresh and canned apricots, consider the recipe you are making and the availability of fresh apricots. Some recipes may call for fresh apricots for their texture or flavor, while others may be more suited to canned apricots. Overall, both fresh and canned apricots can be valuable additions to your diet, depending on your goals and preferences.

Storing Canned Apricots

Canned apricots can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two years. Once opened, they should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. It is important to check the expiration date and condition of the can before consuming canned apricots. Any signs of swelling, rust, or leakage may indicate that the can has been compromised and should be discarded. By storing canned apricots properly, you can ensure that they remain safe and nutritious for your consumption.

Choosing the Best Canned Apricots

When selecting canned apricots, consider the following factors:

• Packing liquid: As mentioned earlier, canned apricots can be packed in heavy syrup, light syrup, water, or their own juice. Choose the option that is most suitable for your dietary needs and preferences.
• Brand: Look for reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients and have a good reputation for safety and quality control.
• Expiration date: Always check the expiration date on the can before purchasing and consuming canned apricots.
• Condition of the can: Inspect the can for any signs of damage, rust, or leakage. Avoid any cans that are swollen or dented, as this may indicate that the product has been compromised.

By choosing the best canned apricots, you can ensure that you are getting a product that is safe, nutritious, and delicious.

Apricot Recipes

Here are some delicious apricot recipes to try:

• Apricot chicken: Sauté chicken breasts in a pan and top with canned apricots, sliced onions, garlic, and rosemary. Bake in the oven until golden brown and cooked through.
• Apricot smoothie bowl: Blend canned apricots with yogurt, milk, honey, and ice. Top with sliced fresh fruit, granola, and coconut flakes.
• Apricot crumble bars: Mix canned apricots with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spoon onto a pre-made crust and top with a crumble mixture made of flour, oats, butter, and sugar. Bake until golden brown and crispy.

Try out these recipes or use them as inspiration to create your own apricot dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, canned apricots are a convenient and reliable source of nutrition and flavor. They can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from savory to sweet. When choosing canned apricots, be sure to consider the packing liquid, brand, expiration date, and condition of the can. By incorporating canned apricots into your diet and experimenting with new recipes, you can enjoy the various health benefits and culinary delights that this fruit has to offer. So go ahead and add some canned apricots to your shopping cart today and see what delicious creations you can come up with!