Apricots

Store fresh apricots in a paper bag at room temperature to ripen, then move to the fridge. Dried apricots keep indefinitely in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

7–10

3–5

Ripe apricots yield slightly to gentle pressure; avoid those that are mushy or have dark spots.

To pit apricots, cut along the seam and twist the two halves apart, then pop out the stone.

Dried apricots can be plumped in warm water or juice (5–10 minutes) before using in baking or salads.

Fresh apricots pair well with almonds, vanilla, honey, and cardamom in desserts.

For savory dishes, apricots complement pork, chicken, and lamb beautifully.

Almonds, pistachios

Vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon

Honey, brown sugar

Pork, chicken, lamb

Goat cheese, ricotta

White wine, brandy

Buying hard apricots expecting them to ripen at home—they ripen best on the tree.

Refrigerating unripe apricots, which slows ripening; let them sit at room temperature first.

Overcooking fresh apricots in recipes, causing them to lose structure and flavor.