The apricot is a typical summer fruit, whose origin is in China, although it soon passed to Europe from the hand of the Romans. Typical of temperate climates, we can easily find it in the summer months, since at this time it abounds throughouts the Mediterranean regions. Spain is an important producer, and the autonomous communities that most produce this fruit are: Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, Valencian Community and Aragon.
The apricot is the fruit of the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca), tree of the Rosaceae family. These fruits are usually small in size and once ripe they can measure between 1.5 to 3 cm. They are covered by a velvet-like skin, smooth and soft to the touch. There are more than two thousand variapricots ages. The most consumed in Spain is the red galta, with a reddish skin, and also the bulida, with large fruits with a deep groove in the middle, which we can find from June.
Nutritional properties of apricot
Let's not be fooled by its size, because this small fruit contains many nutrients that are beneficial to our health. The apricot is one of the fruits richest in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for the health of theskin and mucous membranes, as well as to increase resistance to infection. In addition to having important antioxidant properties. One serving of apricot covers more than half of our daily vitamin A needs.
Also noteworthy is its vitamin C content , which is an essential ingredient for maintaining young and healthy skin.
Regarding its mineral content, it is worth highlighting its potassium content, which makes itin a diuretic fruit, recommended in the dietary treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure or others associated with fluid retention.
Ripe fresh apricots are also richin tannins, substances with astringent, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
And finally, another of the qualities to highlight of the apricot is its high fiber content, which is why it is ideal for taking care of our intimate flora.estinal, being an ally for those who suffer from estrangement.
In the market
This fruit should be eaten when it has completed its maturation , since if it is green it completely lacks flavor. Therefore, when we go to buy apricots we must check thatThey are sufficiently ripe, which we will know thanks to their color, usually orange , although some varieties are reddish. Of course we must reject the beaten specimens and choose those with a firm structure,but not too hard. To preserve this fruit we must put it in a plastic bag in the fridge, but we must consume them as soon as possible as they age quickly.
In the kitchen
The culinary possibilities of apricots are many. Not only are they delicious as table fruit, but we can make jams and marmalades with them to keep them for the rest of the year , and with them make posthree or simply add them to our salads, smoothies, gazpachos and breakfast.
The impressive health benefits and its delicate and sweet flavor, makes the apricot an essential fruit, which cannot be missing inour diet from early spring to late summer . Take advantage of the season!
