Apricots

The initial habitat of apricot trees is the mountainous? Tien Shan region. Thanks to this arrangement, the first people to cultivate these fruits were the Chinese. This happened more than 4000 years ago.

The fruits reached the Mediterranean after crossing the path through the Persian Empire and Central Asia. The fruit was received with delight, and the Romans came up with a name that is used even today. It is translated as “treasure”. The Romans called apricot in a similar way because it ripens earlier than other fruits in the garden.

This fruit was also common in Rus’. But it came here in dried form. The first apricot trees appeared on the territory of modern Russia in the 17th century. They were planted in the garden ?, which belonged to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. After this, many monks and boyars began to make attempts to grow these trees in their domains.

However, in most cases such a culture took root poorly. This is largely due to the fact that apricot trees cannot withstand extreme cold and begin to die in the middle of winter. For this reason, only semi-cultivated varieties grew in Russia for a long period of time. Their fruits were small in size and sour in taste. Today, modern technologies and considerable experience make it possible to provide a favorable environment for growth and harvesting.

Apricots contain a large number of useful substances. Thanks to them, the following beneficial properties are provided:

✅ Strengthening the vascular system, as well as preventing inflammatory processes. Similar effects are provided by flavonoids.

✅ Optimization of the digestive process, stimulation of the reproduction of bacteria beneficial to the body. The beneficial effect is due to the presence of dietary fiber, as well as fiber.

✅ Optimizing the transport of nutrients, maintaining pressure at an optimal level, improving heart health. The benefits come from potassium, which is essential for muscle nerve function.

✅ Protection of cells from destruction under the influence of sunlight. Provided due to the presence of beta-carotene.

✅ Improving the health of the skin, as well as increasing its elasticity. A similar effect is present due to the presence of vitamins E and C in the fruit.

Additional beneficial properties are provided by minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, manganese.

The characteristic features of apricots include the almost complete absence of any harm to the human body.

❌  However, it can cause harm to people who have individual intolerance to the substances present in its composition. If a person has it, then apricots can provoke acute allergic reactions. To prevent this phenomenon, you need to use the fruit with caution if you are trying it for the first time.

When you first bite, you may notice a sour and bitter taste. Apricots are characterized by dense, soft flesh. They are characterized by less astringency when compared with peaches and apples. However, there is a similar texture. However, apricots are denser than most fruits and can be combined with other ingredients in a variety of recipes. Nutritionists recommend consuming this fruit daily.

Apricots may have a sweet taste, but they are actually tart. People may taste different flavors, but the most common are sweetness and tartness. If you examine and taste a ripe apricot, you can conclude that it is hard and porous. At the same time, the characteristic features include the absence of a crispy crust, like apples. This makes the fruit much easier to bite into.

People who are used to eating apricots note that they can sometimes taste bitter. The variety to which these fruits belong also affects the taste. Apricots are slightly sweeter than peaches, but there is no similarity between them.

The fruits acquire maximum softness and astringency when fully ripe. To experience the true taste, it is recommended to consume within a few days of collection. All people who have ever tasted apricots consider them a delicious delicacy. It is recommended to try it for everyone who has not yet found the most suitable fruit for themselves.

? Apricots are very easy to eat, enjoying their bright taste. If you want to eat this fruit raw, then before consumption it is enough to rinse it under running water. After this, you can start eating without any fears. It is allowed to eat with the peel. There is also the option of cutting this fruit before eating. It is best to cut it in half and then remove the pit. When you prepare it, eating apricot will be as convenient as possible.

? This fruit is also often used in various recipes. Sliced apricots are often mixed with a variety of fermented milk products. We are talking, for example, about kefir or yogurt. You can use apricots to make porridge for breakfast.

? Additionally, it can be used as a filling when preparing a variety of baked goods. It is possible to eat both raw and dried apricots. Adding this fruit to a dish in a variety of forms will improve the taste, as well as enrich the diet with nutrients.

If you want to include apricot in your daily diet, then you should familiarize yourself with popular recipes that involve its use. This approach will make it possible to consume the fruit in the optimal combination, providing maximum benefit to the body.

People who want to understand the peculiarities of storing apricots need to know that there are a number of nuances in it. First you need to understand that:

?Only fresh and slightly unripe fruits are subject to long-term storage. They need to be removed from the tree by hand.

?A prerequisite is to check for defects and stains.

?Fallen fruits are not suitable for long-term storage.

?It is permissible to stock apricots for the winter in their natural form. There is also the possibility of freezing, drying, and drying them.

?The storage period is determined by the variety, as well as cultivation conditions. For example, late-ripening fruits are stored better.

?It is recommended to use wooden boxes. They are ideal when long-term storage is required.

?It is not recommended to keep fruits in a heap. This provokes rapid rotting.

Additionally, you need to take into account that at temperatures from +20 to +23°C, fully ripe fruits do not spoil within 2️⃣-3️⃣ days. If they were initially picked not fully ripe, then in a similar period of time the apricots will ripen, after which they will become suitable for consumption.

If there is a need to store a large harvest, then preparing a cool room in advance is a prerequisite. The air temperature in it should be between +10°C and +15°C. In this case, the optimal humidity is 50-70%. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to first wrap the fruits with parchment paper and carefully place them in a wooden box. This will save the harvest for 1️⃣-3️⃣ weeks.

Apricot is a sweet fruit that causes virtually no harm to the human body. It contains a huge amount of useful substances, which is why it is recommended by nutritionists for daily use and inclusion in a regular diet. There is the possibility of preparing various dishes. If you plan to purchase these fruits in large quantities, then it is worth studying the nuances of their storage.