If I had to rank my top five favorite fruits worldwide, apricots would undoubtedly be on the list. On one hand, they display a humble appearance, but when fully ripe, apricots are irresistible.
Sweetness interwoven with a balancing tartness and a unique flavor that is distinctly apricot. Just crack it open and remove the kernel to enjoy this perfect fruit. However, the only problem with apricots is their short season.
It might be over before you even notice. An early-summer fruit, peaking in June, occasionally begins in late May and possibly lingering into July. So why did I think of apricots at the end of February.
A good question, and fortunately, one with an excellent answer. While enjoying fresh apricots is a summer luxury, there's no reason we can't savor the aromatic and tangy notes of dried apricots throughout the year. Recently, on Tu B'Shvat, I indulged in organic dried apricots from The Garden’s store, and the experience was nothing short of enchanting.
Dried fruits are an art, and in the realm between raisins, dried pineapple, or ginger, I choose the apricot. Dried apricots truly reign supreme. Unlike pineapples and ginger, dried apricots have been with us in the Mediterranean basin and the surrounding Asian regions, as well as continuously grown and cultivated here, for at least two millennia.
Since the brief apricot season is well known and harvest may include large amounts, preserving the fruit through drying makes sense, especially in the Middle East before the arrival of refrigeration, why should we enjoy apricots only one month a year?
This tradition likely originated in the Turkish coastal region, considered a leading apricot grower to this day. As I mentioned, dried apricots come in various forms.
Sun drying retains their original texture, to produce the most delightful organic apricots, dried without added sugar or any chemical intervention. I highly recommend adding them to your regular vegetable order.
Moreover, a tradition has emerged around processing ground apricots and drying them into flat sheets, commonly referred to as “apricot leather” or “apricot roll-ups”. I think it is one of the most delicious treats. If you're in the 'healthy treat' mindset, dried apricot leather is as close as you'll get.
Dried apricots are not only delightful to eat as is, I can pile up on them endlessly (their calorie content is not a concern, and, like most dried fruits, your digestive system will only thank you if you indulge in dried apricots) but they also shine in culinary creations.
Dried apricots are also an ingredient that's truly enjoyable to cook. I particularly enjoy cooking chicken with dried apricots, as they bring out the perfect balance of sweetness in each bite. They complement cold platters, salads, and dishes like ceviche (its subtle tartness pairs wonderfully with raw fish). They even add a sweet depth to winter stews.
Give them a try – they're excellent.
Bon appetit,
The Garden team
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