Apricots: From garden to gourmet salad delight
Apricot trees might not be the most suitable for the British climate, although this depends on the variety. They were once common in nearly every garden but rarely bore fruit due to the frosts in April and May that destroyed them. However, by selecting the right variety and ensuring favourable growth conditions, you can still enjoy delicious apricots too.
If you wish to plant an apricot tree in your garden, choose a variety that is resistant to low temperatures. Gardening shops offer trees that either bloom later or have greater resilience to frost and diseases. It is advisable to plant two different varieties next to each other.
This is how apricots affect the body
Apricots are primarily an excellent source of beta-carotene. This compound converts into vitamin A in the body, which is essential for maintaining good eye health and skin condition. But that's not all the benefits of this underrated relative of the peach. The fruit is also a valuable source of potassium, which helps maintain proper blood pressure. Fibre supports digestion, and antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Although the fruit contains a substantial amount of sugar (about 9-10 grams per 100 grams of apricots), it also has a low glycaemic index, making it safe for people with type 2 diabetes. This is because they primarily contain fructose, which is metabolised in the liver and doesn't significantly impact blood glucose levels. Furthermore, fresh fruits are full of water, which contributes to the slower release of sugars into the body.
How to eat apricots for maximum benefit
Apricots, like many other fruits, should be consumed with the skin on because of the fibre they contain. Juices made using a slow juicer, purees, or jams with added sugar are less healthy options. In the case of juices, all the best parts end up in the waste. Homemade preserves are a great way to use up excess fruit, but only if you limit the sugar content.
A great idea is to combine apricots with yoghurt and nuts, as the fat in these products increases the absorption of vitamin A. Chopped and mixed with oatmeal or homemade granola is also a healthy option that doesn't cause an insulin spike.
But it's not just desserts or sweet breakfasts where you can use these fruits. Apricots are also excellent in savoury salads, for example, combined with young spinach leaves, rocket, nuts, feta cheese, or prosciutto ham.
Salad with grilled apricot and prosciutto
You may wish to add feta cheese or another Balkan brine cheese to the salad. Grill the apricots traditionally, on a grill pan, or in the oven using the grill function.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 4 ripe apricots, halved and pitted,
- 2 handfuls of rocket,
- 6-8 slices of prosciutto,
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil,
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste,
- 1 teaspoon of honey,
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Drizzle the apricot halves with a bit of olive oil and place them cut-side down on a grill, grill pan, or in an oven with a grill function. Grill for about 2-3 minutes, until they have developed characteristic stripes and have softened slightly. Set aside to cool.
- Arrange the rocket on a plate. Place the grilled apricots and the rolled slices of prosciutto on top.
- In a cup, mix olive oil with honey, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the salad with this dressing.
