Dried Apricots, All the Tricks for a Formidable Result

From now on, I am sure that I will prepare dried apricots by myself at home. In fact, we always purchase them at the supermarket, and it is possible to have them all year round in a very simple way. In the summer, apricots are readily available, and their natural sweetness makes them ideal for this simple process. These homemade dried apricots are perfect for snacking and enhance various recipes like fruit tarts and cheesecakes. Ready to get started? Here’s how to make your own dried apricots at home.

Preparation

Let’s start with an important recommendation. If you want to prepare perfect dried apricots, you will have to choose the best fresh ones. So, carefully select apricots that do not have any stains or are not too ripe.

After selecting your apricots, wash them thoroughly under running water. Then, place them in a large pot filled with water and add 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda, using 2 liters of water for every kilogram of apricots. Bring the water to a boil and remove the pot from the heat after a minute. Next, drain the apricots and lay them on a cotton cloth to allow them to dry.

You can then remove the pits, place the apricots on the oven rack, and cook them at 194°F (90 °C) for 5 hours. Once they are done in the oven, move the apricots outdoors, covering them with gauze or a light cloth. In the evening, bring them back inside the house. This process should be repeated for five days to achieve perfect dried apricots. It’s advisable to store them in an airtight jar for future use.

The benefits of apricots

Consuming apricots is good for you. These fruits are low-calorie and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals. They are orange fruits containing carotenoids, which can help protect eyesight from aging, support heart health, and regulate blood pressure. Of course, it’s important to incorporate apricots into a balanced and diverse diet to reap their full benefits.