Apricots are incredibly juicy and get softer as they ripen, which makes storing them a bit of a challenge. If you want to keep that harvest fresh for as long as possible, you need to know the right tricks. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your apricots in tip-top shape!
The Old-School Root Cellar Method (and Modern Alternatives)
Apricots have been a garden favorite for centuries. Back in the day, people would simply tuck their harvest away in cool root cellars. These spots had the perfect balance of temperature and humidity to keep the fruit fresh. Unfortunately, most modern basements are way too warm and dry for that now.
If you don’t have a traditional cellar, your best bet is the bottom drawer of your refrigerator. When kept between 35°F and 41°F (2 to 5 degrees Celsius), your apricots will stay fresh for about three to four days.
The Golden Rules for Storage
- Never let your apricots get too warm.
- The “sweet spot” for temperature is between 35°F and 41°F.
- If you leave them out on the counter, make sure to eat or bake with them within three days.
One quick heads-up: keeping apricots at room temperature is basically an open invitation for fruit flies. To keep the pests away without using chemicals, try this old gardener’s trick: slice a lemon in half and stud it with whole cloves. The scent acts as a natural deterrent. Also, keep in mind that apricots can lose up to 70% of their vitamin content during storage, so fresh is always best!
Let the Flavor Bloom
Every apricot variety has its own unique flavor profile. To really enjoy that homegrown taste, take the fruit out of the fridge about an hour or two before you plan to eat it. Letting them come up to room temperature allows the natural sugars and aromas to really shine.
Got a Bumper Crop? Try Preserving!
If you’re lucky enough to have your own apricot tree, you probably have more fruit than you know what to do with. To make sure none of that golden goodness goes to waste, why not try canning them? It’s the perfect way to enjoy summer flavors all winter long.
