Apricots have been around for a very long time. Humans for thousands of years have known how to harvest apricots and turn these little fruits into the cornerstone of many delicious foods around the world throughout that time.
It’s no wonder why anyone would like to have them in their own garden, they can be used for just about anything
Naturally, if you need to know how to harvest apricots properly if you’re to plant them in your garden. We’re here to show you exactly how to do that.
Without further ado, let’s get into everything you need to know about how to harvest apricots, as well as their interesting past!
Brief History of Apricots
Apricots originated in China and Russia and can trace their beginnings to around 4000 B.C. About 1000 years after that the fruit was traded to Europe and subsequently spread around the old world via the famous Silk Road.
Apricots didn’t make it stateside until the 1700s when French explorers brought it with them to the new world in their ships.
How to Harvest Apricots
Now that we’ve covered the story behind the tasty fruit, let’s dive into the specifics of how to harvest apricots.
When to Pick Them
The first thing to know about how to harvest apricots is when to pick them off the tree.
Since apricots are usually planted in the autumn, it is best to pick them from the tree sometime in the summer as they can take quite a while to grow.
Specifically, the month range where you can harvest apricots is from July to August. By this time they should be soft and ready to easily detach from the tree.
How to Pick Them
Understanding how to pick the fruit from the tree is very important when it comes to knowing how to harvest apricots because they are delicate and bruise easily.
Depending on the size of the tree, you can either pick them just standing up or you can use a ladder to reach the fruits and pick them that way.
The most important thing to keep in mind while picking the apricots is the need to be gentle with them. We can’t stress enough how dainty apricots are, so please handle them with the utmost care.
This can be done by carefully grabbing them off the tree from a comfortable length where you don’t have to strain from it and then carefully placing them in baskets.
Health Benefits
Now that you know how to harvest apricots, now it’s time to learn about how they can help you.
Apricots are absolutely loaded with nutrients that you’re body will thank you for consuming.
Let’s learn about what those nutrients are and how they’ll benefit you.
Vitamins
Apricots like most fruits are a great source of Vitamins. Apricots are a particularly good source of vitamins A and C.
Vitamin A is known for helping to maintain your eyesight. This vitamin is needed the more you go up in age but is great for preventing eyesight deterioration over time if you’re younger.
Vitamin C is famous for being the vitamin that bolsters your immune system.
Fun fact, sailors in the 16th and 17th centuries discovered Vitamin C by noticing that consuming fruits prevented scurvy, which was a common disease for sailors back then due to the fact they ate mostly meat and little of anything else.
Minerals and More
Apricot is not only known for being a vitamin-rich fruit but it’s also known for having plenty of minerals and other benefits.
Apricots are a fantastic source of iron. This is uncommon for fruit as iron-rich foods tend to be in the vegetable category. Iron is essential for the creation of hemoglobin, which is essential for red blood cells to function optimally
This fruit also contains a bountiful amount of potassium. Potassium helps to keep your heart rate and blood pressure within normal ranges. Potassium is also important for keeping the digestive system running smoothly.
Speaking of the digestive system, apricots also have plenty of fiber. Fiber is known for regulating the digestive tract and is an important part of every diet.
Storage
It’s important to know how to harvest apricots sure, but you also should know how to store them.
The best way to store an apricot largely depends on whether they’re ripe or not.
If you buy your apricots from the store, then odds are they won’t be ripe. Grocery stores do this to preserve the fruit for customers for as long as possible.
If your apricots are not ripe yet, simply leave them in a container at room temperature so that they can ripen.
When you’re dealing with ripe apricots, it’s important to place them in a container in the refrigerator. Storing them in the refrigerator will ensure they stay fresh longer for your enjoyment.
Recipes
Want a cheesecake that’s different from anything you’ve had in the past? try this White Chocolate Apricot Cheesecake for a mind-blowingly unique dessert experience.
Want a delicious dinner recipe special enough to wow any date with your cooking skills? Try this Honey Mustard Duck Apricot recipe.
If you’re still not sure what you want to do with your apricots, take a look at this list of Apricot Recipes and you’ll definitely find some inspiration.
FAQ
How Long do Apricots Last After Being Picked From the Tree?
Apricots that are not ripe will take around 24-48 hours to ripen. Once an apricot is ripe, it’ll last about a day or two at room temperature and 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
What do Apricots Taste Like?
Apricots taste similar to peaches. This means they are very sweet and juicy and have a slight tinge of sour flavor.
Enjoy This Delicious Fruit At Home Today
Apricots are one of nature’s most ancient treats. They are amazingly delicious fruit that can be utilized in a multitude of ways.
They’re also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, which make them a healthy part of any diet. Knowing how to harvest apricots can make this fruit more accessible and give you consistent access to its incredible benefits.
You know how to harvest apricots now, but if you wish to learn more about Apricot Trees, check out our Apricot Tree page and find out everything you wish to know about this tasty fruit!