These relatives of the peach and plum are an especially tasty local treat. Apricots become golden when ripe, and grow to the size of golf balls or larger. They have soft flesh when ripe and a central pit. More so than other fruits, apricots tend to ripen all together and for a very short window of time so you’ve got to watch them closely.
Apricots are one of summer’s most delicious treats. Their sweet, perfumed flesh and vibrant orange color enliven both savory and sweet dishes when enjoyed at the peak of ripeness. However, apricots have a notoriously short ripening window on the tree. So getting that timing right is essential for harvesting true apricot perfection.
In this complete guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know about ripening apricots, from identifying ideal fruit on the branch to storage tips for savoring their short season. Follow these simple techniques, and you’ll be rewarded with tender fragrant, golden apricots bursting with flavor.
How to Tell When Apricots Are Ripe on the Tree
Determining the precise moment of ripeness while apricots are still on the branch takes some careful observation and practice Here’s what to look for
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Color – Ripe apricots will transition from green to a golden orange hue, sometimes with a faint red blush depending on variety. Avoid fruit that is still mostly green.
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Touch – Gently squeeze a sample apricot. Ripe fruit will be slightly soft and yield a bit to light pressure but should not feel mushy or bruised.
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Aroma – Bring a ripe apricot to your nose. It should release a sweet, fruity aroma when ready for picking. Unripe fruit lacks fragrance.
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Taste – Biting into a tree-ripened apricot is the best test! Optimal ripeness brings a sweet, juicy flavor.
When to Pick Apricots
Apricots can be finicky about ripeness when harvested. Follow these tips for picking fruit at the right stage:
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Harvest just before fully ripe so apricots can finish ripening off the tree without perishing too quickly.
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Leave obviously hard, green fruit behind to ripen further.
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Handle carefully to prevent bruising. Ripe apricots are delicate.
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Use shears or gently twist fruit off stems by hand. Don’t yank.
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Place picked apricots gently into shallow containers in a single layer.
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Move fruit out of sunlight immediately to prevent overheating.
How to Ripen Apricots After Picking
Apricots will continue ripening after harvest, so even slightly underripe fruit can reach sweet perfection with proper storage at home. Here are some techniques to ripen apricots:
The Paper Bag Method
Place apricots in a single layer in a paper bag. Fold over the top and store at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Check daily until softened and fragrant. The bag traps ethylene gas released by the fruit which speeds ripening.
Ripening with Fruit
Add a banana or apple to the paper bag with unripe apricots. These fruits naturally produce extra ethylene to hasten the ripening process.
On the Counter
Spread apricots out in a single layer on the kitchen counter if not using a paper bag. Allow 2-4 days for full ripening at room temperature.
Near a Sunny Window
For faster ripening, place the paper bag of apricots in a warm, sunny spot like a south-facing window. Just don’t let fruit overheat.
Don’t Refrigerate
Cold temperatures will slow down ripening. Only refrigerate apricots once they are fully ripe and ready to eat.
Step-by-Step Guide for Ripening Apricots
Follow these simple steps for perfect apricots every time:
What You’ll Need
- Apricots picked when slightly firm but starting to color
- Paper bags
- Room temperature storage area
Instructions
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Select apricots showing some orange color but still firm. Discard any with damage.
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Place apricots gently in a single layer in paper bags (not plastic). Fold over tops.
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Store bags at room temperature out of direct sun.
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Check fruit daily by gently squeezing through the bag. When they yield slightly to pressure and smell sweet, they are ripe.
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For faster ripening, place bags in a warm sunny spot. But don’t overheat.
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Expect the process to take 2-4 days depending on initial ripeness when picked.
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Once ripe, refrigerate promptly if not eating immediately.
Tips for Storing Ripe Apricots
Once your apricots reach ripe, juicy perfection, proper storage is vital to enjoying their short season. Follow these tips:
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Refrigerate within 1-2 hours of ripening completing. Ripe apricots perish quickly.
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Eat ASAP. Even refrigerated, ripe apricots only last 3-5 days before declining.
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Prevent bruising through gentle handling. Pressure causes rapid spoilage.
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Keep refrigerated produce drawers dry. Excess moisture hastens decay.
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Seal ripe apricots in plastic bags or airtight containers to limit air exposure.
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Blanch then freeze excess fruit at its peak to enjoy later.
With careful handling, you can savor perfectly ripe apricots for several days after achieving ideal texture and sweetness.
What to Do with Overripe Apricots
If you miss the optimal ripening window and your apricots become too soft, don’t despair! Overripe fruit can still be used in:
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Baking – pies, tarts, crumbles
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Smoothies, shakes, and juices
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Jams, preserves, and chutneys
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Yogurt, oatmeal, and cereal toppings
The soft texture and concentrated flavor of overripe apricots makes them ideal for cooked preparations. Just avoid eating them raw.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to ripening apricots at home, chances are you still have some questions. Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does it take for apricots to ripen after picking?
Typically 2-4 days if stored properly at room temperature. Ripe when softened with fragrance.
Will unripe apricots ripen off the tree?
Yes! Even firm, slightly green apricots will continue ripening if stored correctly. Avoid fully green fruit.
Should I refrigerate unripe apricots to ripen them?
No. Cold temperatures will stop the ripening process. Only refrigerate once apricots are fully ripe.
Can I eat unripe apricots?
While safe to eat, unripe apricots lack ideal flavor and texture. Allow them to ripen for best results.
Do these methods work to ripen other stone fruits?
Yes! Try with peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries using the paper bag and fruit tricks.
What if my apricots never seem to ripen?
If they refuse to ripen, they were likely picked prematurely. Unfortunately, some apricots will never ripen if harvested too early.
We hope these tips help you enjoy apricots at their peak of perfection! Let us know if you have any other apricot ripening questions.
How to Store and Eat
- Room temperature: Underripe apricots can ripen on the counter or in a paper bag. Fold the bag and keep at room temperature for up to three weeks
- Fridge: Ripe apricots need to be stored in a refrigerator and will last up to a week. Apricots will not continue to ripen in the fridge, so make sure they are fully ripe before chilling. Overripe apricots won’t last long, even if refrigerated
- Freezer: Wash, halve, and remove the pits. Freeze on a cookie sheet in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 12 months
Eating fresh; add to salads; baking; jam; dehydrated fruit leather