Stone Fruits, Apricot
Availability:
Available January, February, March, May, June, July, August
Availability:
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Notice:
on demand
Receiving/Storage:
Storage/Handling: Temperature: 32 F (Apricots stored in higher temperatures become mealy.) Relative humidity: 90-95% Mist: no. Typical shelf life 7 to 14 days. Ethylene producer (Do not store with ethylene-sensitive items.)
Description:
Apricot is Latin for Precious, a label that this fruit has earned since it is ready to harvest earlier than other summer fruits. The Apricot is a relative of the almond and peach, and has a buttery sweet, intense flavor. It will give to gentle pressure once ripe and when halved, the pit will fall right out giving to beautiful slices. Serve with Roquefort or Camembert cheese for a refreshing appetizer or light dessert. Apricots contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant, which is thought to help fight disease. Just three apricots offer 30% of the recommended daily allowance of beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which has been shown to help fight infection. Vitamin A also helps protect eyesight and helps keep the skin, hair and gums healthy. Apricots also contain the anti-oxidants Vitamin C and lycopene, which help prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke.
