What Does An Apricot Taste Like?

Let’s talk about a delightful little fruit often overlooked in the produce aisle, the apricot. Now, apricots may be small, but they pack a punch for flavor and versatility in the kitchen.

When you take a bite of ripe apricot, you’re greeted with a wonderful balance of sweet and tart flavor. It’s like a more reserved cousin of the peach, with a subtler sweetness that’s complemented by a hint of tartness. This balance makes apricots incredibly versatile, equally at home in sweet and savory dishes.

But the apricot is more than just its taste. It’s a fruit that invites you to slow down and savor. From the soft fuzz on its skin to the way its flesh yields to a bite, eating an apricot is a sensory experience. And that’s what we’re going to examine today.

How Do Apricots Taste?

The flavor of apricots is like a blend of peach and plum but with a unique twist. They have a certain floral note, a hint of something almost perfume-like, but not quite.

What Does An Apricot Taste Like

They’re not just sweet or just tart. They’re a beautiful combination of the two, with a little something extra thrown in.

And then there’s the texture. Apricots have soft, juicy flesh that’s a joy to eat. It’s not as juicy as a peach but not as firm as an apple. It’s somewhere in between.

Varieties Of Apricots

Apricots come in various types, each with its unique flavor profile. Here are a few popular ones:

  • Moorpark Apricots: Known for their large size and sweet, rich flavor. They have a deep orange color and are considered one of the best for fresh eating.
  • Blenheim Apricots: A favorite for drying and canning due to their intense sweet-tart flavor. They are medium-sized with a vibrant orange color.
  • Goldcot Apricots: A hardy variety that’s resistant to disease. They have a robust tart flavor, making them ideal for baking and preserves.
  • Tilton Apricots: These have a sweet-tart flavor with a hint of spice. They are excellent for canning, drying, or making jams and jellies.
  • Early Golden Apricots: As the name suggests, these are early ripeners. They have a mild, sweet flavor which are perfect for eating fresh.

Comparing Apricots With Other Fruits

Apricots are often compared to other stone fruits. Here’s how they stack up:

  • Peaches: Peaches are juicier and sweeter than apricots. They also have a more pronounced aroma. However, both have similar soft, fuzzy skin.
  • Plums: Plums can be sweeter or tarter than apricots, depending on the variety. They also have a juicier texture, while apricots are a bit firmer.
  • Cherries: Cherries are smaller and juicier than apricots. They tend to be sweeter, although tart cherry varieties exist.
  • Nectarines: Nectarines are essentially peaches without the fuzz, and like peaches, they are juicier and sweeter than apricots.
  • Apples: Apples are crunchier and less juicy than apricots. The flavor of apples can range from very sweet to very tart, depending on the variety.

Do Apricots Taste Good?

Apricots are a fruit that many people find enjoyable. Their balanced sweet-tart flavor can be a refreshing change from overly sweet fruits. When ripe, apricots have a soft, juicy texture that’s satisfying to bite into.

They’re summer fruit, so the best time to enjoy them is during the warm months when they’re at their peak of freshness.

apricot jam in jar

One of the joys of apricots is their versatility. You can eat them raw, straight off the tree, and they’re delicious. Their skin is thin and edible, so you don’t have to worry about peeling them. Just clean them, and they’re ready to eat. They’re also small enough to be a perfect on-the-go snack.

Cooking with apricots opens up a whole new world of flavors. When heated, the sweetness of apricots intensifies, and they develop a deeper, richer flavor. They’re great in baked goods like pies and tarts and can also be used in savory dishes. Roast pork with apricot stuffing, for instance, is a classic combination.

However, apricots may not be to everyone’s liking. Their tartness can be a bit surprising if you’re expecting something as sweet as a peach. Also, the texture can change dramatically depending on the ripeness.

Freezing apricots is a great way to preserve their flavor when they’re in season. You can then use them in smoothies, desserts, or sauces throughout the year. Remember to pit them before freezing to make them easier to use later.

What Do Apricots Look Like?

Apricots are small, round fruits that are often compared to a mini peach. They have a beautiful golden-orange hue that’s quite distinctive. The skin is smooth and velvety, with a slight fuzz much less pronounced than a peach.

apricots at market

There are a few things to look out for when shopping for apricots at the grocery store. First, check the color. A ripe apricot will have a vibrant orange color. Avoid pale yellow or green fruits, as they are likely underripe. Also, steer clear of apricots with dark spots or blemishes, as these are signs of overripeness or damage.

The apricot’s aroma is another indicator of its ripeness. A ripe apricot will have a sweet, slightly floral scent. If the fruit doesn’t smell like anything, it’s probably not ripe yet.

On the other hand, if it has a strong, overly sweet smell, it might be overripe. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to use your senses to pick the best apricots.

Do Apricots Have Seeds?

Yes, apricots have a single large seed, often referred to as a stone or pit. This is why apricots and peaches, plums, and cherries are classified as stone fruits.

The apricot’s seed is encased in a hard shell, protecting the kernel. While the kernel can be eaten and is used in some cuisines, it’s important to note that it contains amygdalin, a compound that can produce cyanide when ingested in large amounts. So, if you do choose to consume apricot kernels, do so in moderation. But it’s probably best to add it to compost or toss it.

When preparing apricots, you’ll need to remove the pit. This can be done by cutting the fruit in half along its natural seam, then gently twisting the two halves apart. The pit can then be easily removed.

How To Enjoy Apricots On Their Own

Apricots are a joy to eat on their own, with their sweet-tart flavor and soft, juicy texture. They’re the perfect size for a quick snack, and their pit is easy to remove, making them a fuss-free fruit to enjoy.

When eating raw apricots, you’ll want to ensure they’re ripe for the best flavor. To eat, clean the apricot under cold water, pat it dry, and then bite right in. The skin is thin and edible, so peeling it is unnecessary.

If you prefer, you can also cut the apricot into slices. Cut the apricot in half along the seam, then twist the two halves apart. Remove the pit, then cut each half into slices. These slices can be enjoyed as they are or added to salads, yogurt, or cereal for a burst of fruity flavor.

Another simple way to enjoy apricots is to make stuffed apricots. After halving and pitting the apricots, fill the cavity with a spoonful of ricotta or Greek yogurt, then top with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. This makes a delicious and healthy snack or dessert.

dried apricots close-up

Dried apricots offer a concentrated burst of the apricot’s signature sweet-tart flavor, with an added depth from the drying process. The texture is chewy and satisfying, making them a fantastic snack.

But the beauty of dried apricots lies not just in their taste but also in their versatility. They can be rehydrated and used in cooking, adding a touch of sweetness to savory dishes or chopped and added to baked goods for a fruity twist.

One of the great things about dried apricots is their year-round availability. While fresh apricots are summer fruit, their dried counterparts can be enjoyed any time of the year. This makes them a fantastic way to bring a taste of summer into the colder months.

Whether you’re adding them to your morning oatmeal, using them in a hearty winter tagine, or simply enjoying them as a sweet, chewy snack, dried apricots are a delightful way to enjoy this wonderful fruit all year round.

Recipes

  • Apricot Jam: Making your own apricot jam is a great way to preserve the flavor of fresh apricots. It’s perfect for toast, scones, or pastry filling. Plus, homemade jam makes a lovely gift!
  • Apricot Tart: An apricot tart is a classic dessert that lets the apricots’ flavor shine. You can arrange the apricots in a beautiful pattern on top for a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
  • Apricot Chicken: Apricots can also be used in savory dishes. Try adding some fresh or dried apricots to a chicken stew or casserole. The apricots add a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

  • Apricot Salad: Add some fresh apricot slices to a salad for color and flavor. They pair well with mixed greens, goat cheese, and a simple vinaigrette.
  • Apricot Chutney: This is a great accompaniment to grilled meats or cheese. It’s a wonderful blend of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors.
  • Roasted Apricots: Roasting apricots brings out their natural sweetness. Simply halve and pit the apricots, drizzle with a little honey, and roast until tender. They’re a great side dish for pork or chicken or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

Apricot FAQs

What is the difference in taste between ripe and unripe apricots?

Ripe apricots are sweet with a hint of tartness, while unripe apricots can be quite tart and less sweet. The texture also changes with ripeness. Ripe apricots have a soft, juicy texture, while unripe apricots can be firmer and less juicy.

How does the flavor of apricots vary from one type to another?

Moorpark Apricots are known for their sweet, rich flavor, while Goldcot Apricots have a robust tart flavor, making them ideal for baking and preserves.

What is the difference in taste between apricots, peaches, and nectarines?

Apricots, peaches, and nectarines are all stone fruits and have some similarities in taste. Apricots have a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a floral note. Peaches are sweeter and juicier than apricots, with a more pronounced aroma. Nectarines are similar to peaches but without the fuzz, and they are also sweeter and juicier than apricots.

About Justin Micheal

Hey, I’m Justin and the home cook behind Food Meets Flavor. I have a passion for cooking and making food delicious. So, I started this blog to help others understand what different types of food taste like and how to make everyday meals taste even better.