what to do with apricot harvest

What can I do with fresh picked apricots?

When picked just under-ripe, they will safely ripen for a few days in a cool place indoors and, if not eaten or used immediately, can be stored in the refrigerator for several days to a week or even a little more. In June, the first thing I do with the abundance of fresh apricots is to make jam.

Can you ripen apricots off the tree?

Apricots do ripen once removed from the tree if they are colored; apricots do not ripen when they are green. They will remain hard, green, and flavorless. Fruits picked when colored and with a slight give to the skin can be ripened at room temp — not in the refrigerator — with some space between the fruit.

How do you freeze fresh apricots?

To freeze, slice apricots in half and remove the pit, which will impart a bitter flavor. Dip in an ascorbic acid solution to discourage discoloration. Place in airtight baggies in the freezer for up to three months. With some varieties, the skin will become tough if frozen without blanching first.

Do apricots ripen off the tree Australia?

Apricots will ripen after they've been picked and there are a few advantages to picking them when they are still a little underripe: you can get the fruit before the wildlife do (including hungry neighbours); and the fruit is less fragile when picked and transported underripe.

Why are my apricots sour?

Apricots Are Not Sweet. My lovely 30 year old apricot always puts out sweet delicious fruits but usually only about every 3 to 5 years. ... Fruit on any plant tends to be more sour or bitter if the plant is not getting enough nutrients or enough water.

How do you peel apricots easily?

The perk of using an apricot is that most recipes don't require the smooth skin of the apricot to be peeled. However, should you need to peel them, simply blanch in boiling water for about 20 seconds and then plunge them into ice water. The skins should peel off easily.

Do apricot trees need lots of water?

Apricot trees require deep watering, especially when they begin bearing fruit. To avoid over-watering your apricot trees, water the trunk and base areas every two weeks or so, giving your trees a healthy soak.

How long does it take for apricots to ripen on the tree?

The average time span for apricots to ripen is three weeks. Be prepared to check your tree every few days for a while, harvesting only the ripe fruit each time.

What is the best fertilizer for apricot trees?

If your mature apricot is in good general health but shows reduced vigor and poor fruit production, it is time to fertilize. Apply a balanced fertilizer, 16-16-16, for example, in early spring (late February or March) and fall (late September or October). Apply no more than 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per year.

How long do apricots last in the freezer?

When properly stored, frozen apricots last up to 12 months in the freezer.

Do apricots make you poop?

Dried Apricots

The fiber in dried fruit has a lot of things going for it. A handful can work like magic if you're constipated. These sweet treats, though, are also high in a sugar called fructose, which can give you a tummy ache if you eat too much.

Can I freeze whole apricots?

Although some fruits fare better when frozen whole, apricots freeze better cut into halves or slices. Frozen apricots keep up to 12 months when packed in syrup or sugar inside sealed containers designed for freezer storage. After that time, the apricots are still safe to eat, but taste and texture begin to decline.

Why do apricots split on the tree?

As discussed, apricot fruit splitting is caused when there is a period of drought followed by a drenching rain. The apricot tree is so parched it sucks up the water faster than it can grow, causing the fruit's skin to stretch and crack. ... Apricots are harvested before fruit has fully ripened on the tree.

What month are apricots in season?

Fresh apricots are at their peak from May through August, though they are often imported from South America off season. Rich color, sweet scent, and a slightly soft fruit indicate they are tree-ripened, which packs the best flavor.

Do apricot trees produce fruit every year?

Apricot Yield

A dwarf variety will produce 50 to 100 pounds of fruit per year.

How can you tell if an apricot is bad?

A common traits of bad apricots are a very soft shape and exaggeration of any bruises. Older apricots get very soft and juicy making them difficult to eat fresh, but they actually make great jam or dried apricots (if you have a dehydrator) at this point.

What does apricot taste like?

Apricots are adorable little stone fruits with velvety golden orange skin and a tangy sweet flesh that tastes like a cross between a peach and a plum. Perhaps as commonly (if not more) available as fresh apricots are dried apricots.

Should you peel apricots for jam?

Peaches, plums and nectarines should be peeled, as their skins are thick or fuzzy. Apricots have such thin skins, you really don't need to peel them.

Why do stewed apricots go brown?

Apricots will turn brown when exposed to air, even air in a sealed, sterile jar. To keep the fruit from turning brown, when you get a bowlful, sprinkle 1/4 cup lemon juice or Fruit-Fresh (which is just a mix of citric acid and vitamin C, perfectly natural).

How long do you soak dried apricots for?

Put your dried fruit in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain the fruit and discard the water. The fruit will be plumper, juicier, and softer. To give your fruit some extra flavor, swap the water for fruit juice or a liquor, like rum, bourbon, or brandy.