What To Do With Dried Apricots

Have you ever wondered what to do with dried apricots?  I have, and decided to find out so that I could start using these in my kitchen!  Read on below if you are interested in this too!

So after researching, it turns out there are actually so many different things you can do with this dried fruit! Here is what to do with dried apricots.  Dried apricots can be eaten on their own, used in breakfast dishes, and used to cook and bake both savoury and sweet foods.  You can:

• Eat on their own as a snack
• Add to breakfasts such as porridge
• Make a sweet stuffing
• Cook with meats such as chicken
• Make desserts such as cakes, muffins & cookies

When I started to look around the internet at what you could actually do with dried apricots, I really couldn’t believe the variety of things you can actually make.  It turns out dried apricots are a really popular addition to meals as well as healthy snacks!  Read on below to see more detailed information on exactly what you can make.  If you are interested in how to dry apricots yourself at home, this article has also got you covered!

What To Do with Dried Apricots

Dried apricots are an awesome source of both fibre and iron.  Their taste is really intense and sweet, and adding these to your diet is an awesome way to get another one of your recommended daily fruit and vegetable servings quickly and easily.  Below are just some of the ideas I found for what to do with dried apricots.  I will be writing up some full recipes for these in the future, so be sure to check back.

Breakfast Ideas

Adding dried apricots into your morning routine is an easy way to start the day with one of your fruit and vegetable portions. Ideas include:

• Simply adding dried apricots to your favorite breakfast cereal
• Adding dried apricots to porridge or granola to change both the flavor and consistency

Salads

Dried apricots can be added to just about any salad to really change the flavor and texture.  I added these to a simple salad of lettuce, cucumber, cheese, and nuts.  I think this could really work for just about any salad to be honest.

Baking

Onto the good stuff.  I have the sweetest tooth, so using dried apricots to bake with is a no-brainer for me.  Some of the ideas I’ve found include:

• Dried Apricot and Oatmeal Cookies
• Dried Apricot and Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Dried Apricot Shortbread
• Dried Apricot Tiffin
• Dried Apricot and Carrot Cake
• Apricot, Date and Pistachio Flapjacks
• Apricot and Cinnamon Cake
• Apricot, Cinnamon & Olive Oil Cake

Snacks

Eating dried apricots as a simple snack is an easy way to go here.  Simply eating them on their own is an option, or you could consider eating with a dip or some yoghurt.  My favorite so far is eating these with a small amount of low fat coconut yoghurt.

Main Meal Ideas

• Chicken and Apricot Curry with Roasted Potatoes
• Slow-Cooker Lamb and Sweet Potato Tagine
• Spiced Vegetable and Apricot Tagine
• Chicken and Apricot Skewers
• Apricot Red Lentil Soup

What are the Health Benefits of Eating Dried Apricots?

Is eating dried apricots actually good for you?  In short, yes eating these can be good for you, in moderation.  Even though small, apricots are low in fat, and contain a great deal of fiber and potassium, as well as Vitamin A.

Fiber

Apricots are particularly high in soluble fiber.  This supports the body in maintaining cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Apricots are also high in potassium.  This is an electrolyte that supports the body in maintaining a healthy balance of fluids.  This in turn aids the bodies muscle functioning.  Potassium can also help to regulate your heartbeat.  Consuming a healthy amount of this can help to significantly reduce the risk of having a stroke.

Vitamin A

Amongst other things, Vitamin A is good for your eye sight.  Some research suggests that Vitamin A plays a role in cancer prevention.  Apricots are a rich source of Vitamin A, and is another reason for consuming this tasty fruit.

What are the Drawbacks of Eating Dried Apricots?

Dried fruits are generally high in sugar.  This is is true of dried apricots.  For this reason, if eaten too often or at the wrong times, they can be bad for your teeth.  Eating as part of a meal rather than a snack can help to reduce the risk of this.  Brushing your teeth or rinsing with mouthwash after eating these is also recommended.

How To Dry Apricots

Clearly the easiest way to get dried apricots is to buy them yourself.  For those of you that prefer to make your own, it is relatively straightforward.  Below are two different methods.  One for using a dehydrator, and one for using your oven should you not have one of these.

How to dry apricots using a dehydrator at home

1. Clean apricots thoroughly before starting.
2. Slice apricots down the middle
3. Remove the pit.  This can be thrown away.
4. Leaving the skin on, turn both halves of the apricots inside out.
5. Spread the apricots evenly onto your drying racks.  The apricots should be placed with the skin touching the drying racks.
6. Your dehydrator should be set to 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Set the timer on your dehydrator for 12 hours.
8. Remove apricots.
9. If you do not wish to use them immediately, store in a sealed glass jar and leave in a cool, dark room or cupboard.
10. Once stored, these will last a number of months.

How to dry apricots in an oven at home

Can you soak dried apricots?  Yes you can soak dried apricots.  To do this simply place in a bowl and pour boiling water over them.  Leave them to soak for 10-15 minutes.  This gives the fruit a soft texture and more flavor.

Can you rehydrate dried apricots?  Yes you can rehydrate dried apricots.  To do this simply soak them in cold water for a few hours, and then boil the water.  Once the water has started to boil, simply leave to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.  To sweeten them a little you can add sugar or honey just before removing.

Why are some dried apricots brown?  Most dried apricots are treated with sulphur before drying.  this helps them to keep their natural color.  The more sulphur applied, the brighter the color.  Brown dried apricots are normally like this because they have not been treated with sulphur.