How to Store Apricots Without Causing Bruising

The start of apricot season, typically in late May, marks the arrival of the summer season. These small fruits, with their fuzzy, pink-orange skin and a sweet-tart taste, are a true delight. When selecting ripe apricots at the grocery store, look for those that are smooth, orange-tinged, and slightly give when gently pressed. If you plan to enjoy them later, choose apricots that are still a bit firm and yellowish, indicating they haven’t fully ripened yet. Relish fresh apricots during the summer, and savor dried or frozen apricots year-round. Keep reading for tips on how to store apricots correctly, so you can enjoy them every month of the year.

How to Properly Store Fresh Apricots

For the longest shelf life, store fresh apricots in an airtight food storage container inside the refrigerator. However, if you want to speed up the ripening process of unripe apricots, simply leave them on the countertop.

How to Store Dried Apricots

To keep dried apricots fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can keep them on the countertop or in the pantry, though warmer temperatures will cause them to spoil faster. If the dried apricots are too dry when you're ready to use them, soak them in hot water for a few minutes to rehydrate and plump them up.

Dried apricots are a great addition to both sweet dishes, like oatmeal, and savory ones, such as Lemon-Pepper Tofu With Apricot-Chickpea Salsa or Sesame-Coated Pork With Apricot Sauce.

Can Apricots Be Frozen?

Yes, apricots can be frozen. Begin by washing, coring, and cutting the apricots into bite-sized pieces. Spread the pieces on a sheet pan and freeze them until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the apricot pieces into an airtight container and place them back into the freezer.

Frozen apricots make an excellent addition to smoothies and can be used in cooking for jams, cobbler fillings, or crumbles. If you find yourself with an abundance of ripe apricots and not enough time to consume or cook them, freezing is the perfect solution.