Apricot: calories, useful properties and contraindications.

Apricot is a stone fruit. It has an oval shape, bright orange color and rough skin. This product is native to China. The fruit has been cultivated for more than two thousand years, while in the last 10 years many new varieties have been bred.

Such a sunny fruit is characterized by its excellent taste qualities. But, in addition to the amazing taste, apricot fruits have a positive effect on human health. Still, this product has some contraindications, which should be taken into account during the consumption.

What is the difference between peaches and apricots

1. Apricot fruits are small in size, peaches are larger. The former have a yellow-orange skin, sometimes there may be a blush on one side of the fruit. The latter have a yellowish skin with bright red spots all over the surface.
2. Apricots contain a lot of sugar, so the fruit has a strong sweet flavor, while peaches have less sweetness, sometimes you can even feel the bitterness.
3. The peach is characterized by a juicier flesh compared to the apricot.
4. In terms of chemical composition, apricot fruits contain more calcium and retinol. Peaches are enriched with zinc, tocopherol and magnesium.
5. Peach fruits are more likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Which is healthier

Despite the external differences and a certain difference in the chemical composition, both fruits have useful qualities. It is hard to say that one is more useful than the other, each in its own way. Is that people with a tendency to allergies with caution should use peaches. Apricots in this regard are safe.

Composition and calories

Apricot fruits are a source of vitamin A, which is fat-soluble and helps to improve vision. Also, these fruits are full of fiber, which helps reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, protects the gastrointestinal tract from disorders and provides regular cleansing of the intestines.

High potassium concentrations help strengthen the heart muscle. When you eat these fruits provides normal growth and development of the bone system, because they contain almost all the minerals responsible for this - Ca, P, Mn, Fe, Cu. In combination with potassium all these minerals are better absorbed and distributed evenly. Thus, regular consumption of apricots fresh or dried will be a prevention of various bone diseases. Also phosphorus and magnesium in the composition of the fruit provide stimulation of the brain neurons, which makes it useful for people whose activities are connected with mental stress.

In addition, they contain antioxidant substances that cleanse the body of toxic elements and free radicals that damage cells. This slows down the natural aging process.

The high content of retinol and ascorbic acid helps to resist various diseases, including cancer. Oleic and linoleic acids are also found in apricot fruits. They are essential amino acids.

The caloric value of the product is only 40 kcal per 100 grams.

What are the benefits of apricots

General benefits

1. Apricots are useful for the presence of vitamin A, which supports the immune system and eye health.
2. The fiber in the product is useful for the digestive system. When the fruit enters the body, it is quickly broken down, while all the nutrients are easily absorbed.
3. Also the presence of fiber helps to normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood, which, in turn, protects the heart and blood vessels from various diseases.
4. Apricots have beneficial properties for the skin. Vitamins, antioxidants and minerals help maintain the health and beauty of the skin, as well as helping to slow the aging process.
5. The product improves metabolic processes, so eating apricots is good for the figure.

For women

Fresh apricot fruits contain iodine salts, which have a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland. Probably every woman knows how important the health of this organ is in the synthesis of female hormones.

Vitamin C in the fresh fruit will strengthen the immune system, as well as prolong youth. In combination with retinol, it has a positive effect on the dermis, giving it freshness, beauty and youthfulness. As a result of including such a product in the diet, acne is eliminated and wounds heal faster. B-group vitamins improve cardiovascular activity, regulate blood pressure and calm the nervous system.

For men

A large list of macro- and micronutrients in the composition of apricot fruits protects against muscle cramps. This property of the product is especially appreciated by athletes. Fiber and magnesium prevent clogging of blood vessels and ensure normal blood flow. In addition, blood circulation in the pelvis improves, which protects the male body from urological diseases. By increasing blood flow in the groin, potency improves, which also prevents the development of prostate.

After 40 years, the representatives of the stronger sex are prone to the occurrence of cardiovascular abnormalities. Therefore, they are recommended to eat apricots to prevent atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The use of apricots helps to normalize blood pressure in men, reduces the risk of stroke. This is provided by the content in the fruit of nicotinic acid.

When pregnant

Pregnant women should monitor their diet. They should consume fruits, including apricots, because they are rich in all the vitamins and minerals that are required by the growing baby and the woman herself. It is recommended to eat them in the last trimester, because it is during this period a woman has anemia caused by iron deficiency. Vitamin C will help strengthen the immune system and protect against colds. Thanks to potassium, the water balance in the body is regulated, and phosphorus ensures the formation of the fetal skeleton.

Breastfeeding

Doctors say that a nursing woman can eat apricot fruits. But it is necessary to take into account some exceptions. For example, sometimes there is an individual intolerance in the mother or the baby. In addition, the product can cause colic in the infant.

The optimal period for the introduction of such a product is considered 4 months and more. At the first reception, it is enough to use half a fruit. If the baby does not have any side effects, the next time a woman can eat a whole apricot. Such a treat stimulates the formation of milk and improves its quality, in particular it eliminates the bitterness that occurs with improper nutrition of a young mother.

For children

Pediatricians advise to introduce this vegetable product in the diet of a child after he is six months old. Fresh apricots can be given to children after 10 months. Keep in mind that every body is unique, so before the use should consult with a specialist. Often children develop an allergy to such fruit.

When losing weight

Despite the fact that the caloric value of apricots is not high, they contain quite a lot of carbohydrates and sugars. Therefore, you should use them carefully during the diet. Nutritionists are advised to eat no more than 150 grams during the day. But you should not exclude such a fruit from the diet either. It contains a lot of vitamins, which are necessary for a thin person.

Apricot is a product that is enriched with useful substances, but has very few calories. During the whole diet, which lasts from 2 to 5 days, these fruits in any form should prevail in the diet. You can eat just the fruit or make salads, purees, compote, etc.

There is even an apricot diet, in which 1-1.5 kilograms of fruit should be eaten during the day. In this case, the fruit should be divided into small portions. You should not increase the amount eaten, even if you feel hunger, otherwise the digestive system will not be able to cope with such a load.

Are green apricots useful?

Unripe apricots can be dangerous for human health. First of all, they do not contain useful elements. Secondly, they can harm the intestines and the entire gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea may appear.

Benefits and uses of apricot leaves

Apricot leaves also have medicinal properties. They can remove toxins from the body. People who work in harmful production should drink 1 glass of decoction based on the leaves every day. In addition, it will help in the presence of worms in the body.

If there are bruises and abrasions, you can apply a compress with apricot leaves, previously crumpled. It should be kept overnight.

Also, chewing apricot leaves twice a day can cure stomatitis.

Apricot juice: benefits and harms

Apricot juice contains carotene, fiber, organic acids, iodine and other substances. Pectin in the composition of such a drink is effective in removing cholesterol plaques. Vitamin A is essential for bone and dental health.

To use fruit juice for preventive purposes, you should drink 1 glass of liquid a day. Choose juices that do not contain sugar. It is best to prepare such a product yourself.

The benefits of apricot jam

In the process of cooking apricot jam, a significant part of the useful properties of the fruit is preserved. It is recommended to prepare such a dessert in the summer period, when you can easily find fresh and useful fruits. In the cold season, such a treat will benefit from a cold, as well as adjust the digestive tract and cardiovascular system. Also, the jam should be consumed by people who have been diagnosed with a tumor.

Apricot oil: properties and application

From apricot kernels by cold-pressing method is obtained pure and natural oil, which contains in its composition vitamins A, E, C, B, mineral components, acids, stearins, natural wax, salts of magnesium and potassium. Such a product is characterized by antibacterial, antiseptic, tonic, softening and delaying aging properties.

Regular use of this product can achieve a rejuvenating effect. The skin is toned and regenerated. Small wrinkles are smoothed, derma becomes firm and elastic. The oil also provides fast healing of small burns, wounds.

Such a product is used to improve the growth of eyelashes, eyebrows.

Useful properties of apricot kernels

1. Apricot kernels are valued due to the presence in them of a number of vitamins and micro- and macroelements. If the seeds are sweet, it means that they contain a lot of oil. They also have a large amount of protein.
2. In cooking, kernels are used to make glazes, and they are used to make ice cream, cream, and waffles.
3. Apricot kernel is considered a anthelmintic. If you make a tea from it, you get a drink that treats cardiovascular diseases. It is allowed to eat no more than 20 apricot kernels a day.
4. The main benefit of apricot kernels is that they help in the fight against cancer cells. This is due to their vitamin B17 content.

While consuming the product, you should remember that bitter kernels contain a lot of organic poisons, which, when ingested, start producing hydrocyanic acid. The excess of this substance in the body is dangerous to cause severe poisoning.

What are the benefits of dried apricots

Dried apricot fruits have unique medicinal properties due to their rich composition. So, such a product contains a lot of ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, vitamins B1, B2 and B5. Of the minerals it contains Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Co.

Useful dried fruit for people with pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. Due to the presence of potassium salts, they have a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, normalize blood pressure and increase hemoglobin in the blood. Consumption of dried apricots is indicated for people with anemia.

When taking diuretics, it is recommended to include such dried fruits in the diet to prevent the washout of potassium from the body. In addition, this product has a laxative effect, which helps to cleanse the intestines and restore their peristalsis. Pectin and fiber are responsible for activating the purification process. Also, this delicacy is useful for kidney and thyroid diseases.

Compote from dried fruits is an effective remedy for avitaminosis.

How to dry

Harvested fruits should be sorted, overripe, green and damaged specimens should be removed and only ripe and whole apricots should be used. Next, the raw material should be thoroughly washed and dried. It is recommended to remove the pips from the fruit.

To preserve the bright color of dried fruits, you can clean the fruit for 10 minutes in water with citric acid, and then again to dry.

Drying can be done in the sun, in the oven and special devices. When using natural sunlight, it is necessary to dry the fruit first. To do this, distribute them on a tray and put in the shade. Then move the raw material under direct sunlight for 4-5 hours. Carry out such procedures for several days. After this, dried apricot fruits can be transferred to a container for further storage.

If you use an oven, the time for preparing such a dessert will be reduced to 12-20 hours. You just need to spread the peeled fruits on the lattice and place it in the oven at a temperature of 40-50 degrees. With each hour you can increase the figure by 6-7 units. At the time of the finished product, the temperature of the device should be no more than 80 degrees.

Apricot kernel urbeche: benefits and harms

Urbech is a viscous, pasty mass of seeds ground on stone grindstones. The dish belongs to the Dagestan cuisine. The paste of apricot kernels has a unique composition, has a number of medicinal properties and is characterized by excellent taste.

This product contains the same list of useful elements as in the seeds of the fruit. It should be noted that apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which in the gastrointestinal tract is converted into hydrocyanic acid and cyanides. These substances cause severe poisoning if uncontrolled consumption of Urbech.

Such a delicacy has a powerful anticancer effect, comparable with drug treatment. In addition, the use of such a product in the diet can protect cells from aging, improve the condition of the skin, cleanse the body of harmful substances, adjust the metabolism, improve memory and increase performance.

The paste is useful in case of heavy loads, as well as after diseases. But still take such a remedy with caution. An adult can eat up to 3 tsp. of the product per day. In overdose, headache, nausea may appear.

Apricots in medicine

Since ancient times, people have dried apricots and used them to eliminate bad breath. Now, after many studies, the fruit is used in the treatment of a large number of pathologies.

So, it should be used for anemia, heart rhythm disorders. Also the product is effective for constipation due to its diuretic and laxative properties. Some people are used to use such fruit for fever and cough.

For diabetes

Eat apricots with diabetes should be treated with caution. Experts advise not to abuse such a delicacy and eat no more than 4 apricots a day.

Diabetics can replace the fresh fruit with apricots. In this form, they contain less sugar.

Important: The glycemic index of apricot is 30 units.

In pancreatitis

With pancreatic inflammation, apricots can be dangerous. Since they have a laxative effect, stools can be disturbed, which can aggravate the situation. This applies to the period of exacerbation. In the remission phase, you can eat a small amount of fruit, but after a meal.

With gastritis.

Gastritis, which runs with increased acidity, implies a complete rejection of such a fruit treat. If the acidity is reduced, you can occasionally use apricot fruits in food. However, first you should consult a specialist.

For the intestines

To restore the functioning of the intestines, you can use fruit juice. Thus, for intestinal diseases, you should drink several glasses of the drink a day. A glass of apricot juice a day, divided into two doses (morning and evening), will help get rid of colitis, flatulence and dysbiosis.

In constipation

The use of apricots is also indicated for the treatment of constipation. In this case, it is necessary to prepare a compote. Such a remedy has a mild laxative effect. It should be drunk three times a day after a meal.

With gout

Patients with gout need to reduce the amount of salt consumed and products with a high content of purines. With this disease you need to include in your diet some fruits, among which is an apricot. This fruit has a low concentration of purine compounds.

In colitis

Apricot fruit is contraindicated in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Such a product contains fiber, which leads to the rapid movement of the contents through the large intestine. If colitis is detected, the consumption of this fruit is dangerous for impaired stools, as well as the development of abdominal cramps.

For the liver

According to some experts, apricot is a very useful product for the liver. The fact is that it contains a lot of pectin, which is designed to remove pesticides, salts of heavy metals from the body, which helps to reduce the burden on this organ. But still eat such fruits with caution, because they are forbidden in hepatitis.

At hemorrhoids

With this condition also requires caution when using apricot fruits. If the fruit is not ripe, severe irritation of the intestines may occur. In the case of hemorrhoids, vegetable products should be eaten fresh, because only in this state they retain all the vitamins and useful fiber. In this case, you should not subject them to any heat treatment.

For cholecystitis

When the gallbladder is inflamed, the outflow of bile is disturbed. This reduces the activity of the pancreas and negatively affects the digestion of food and its movement through the intestine.

In the diet for this disease can include apricots. They have a choleretic property. However, this only applies to fruit juice made with your own hands from ripe fruit. You can drink no more than 1 glass of squeeze at a time.

This allows you to normalize the outflow of bile, improve digestion. In addition, in this case, painful sensations are reduced, there is no need to use a large number of medications.

Apricots in cosmetology

Since apricot fruits are characterized by a lot of useful qualities, they are widely used in the cosmetic field as well. The pulp of the fruit and the oil based on the seeds are used to prepare masks.

Such masks are very effective and give quick results. This is due to the rich vitamin composition. Natural apricot masks are excellent remedies that can be used for any type of skin and for various conditions.

For Face

1. To prepare a classic mask, you just need to put the puree obtained from the pulp of apricots on the skin of the face. You can also soak a napkin in natural juice and use it as a mask.
2. You can prepare a nourishing mask. For this you need to take cottage cheese with apricot pulp in equal proportions and apply the resulting mixture for 15-20 minutes on the face.
3. To get a rejuvenating mask you need to add 1 tbsp. of honey, one egg yolk, 0.5 tsp. of apricot puree to 2 tbsp. of apricot puree. salt, 1 tbsp. thick semolina on milk.
4. A refreshing mask consists of 2 tbsp. of apricot squash, 1 tbsp. of sour cream, 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil and 1 yolk. Apply the mixture to the face for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
5. For oily skin a mask for which 2 tbsp. of fruit puree and 1 tbsp. of lemon squeeze will be effective.
6. For sensitive dermis will be suitable remedy, consisting of 2 tbsp. apricot pulp and 1 tbsp. honey, milk and crushed oatmeal flakes.

For hair

Apricot oil is an essential ingredient in cosmetology. It helps to get rid of seborrhea, restores hair structure and makes it healthy. For preventive purposes apricot oil masks are used once a week. If you need to achieve the restoration, you will need to perform 15 procedures, twice a week. It is also worth noting that with dry hair type, the product is applied to the curls along the entire length, with oily hair - only on the ends.

1. To get rid of split ends, you need to immerse them in heated apricot squeeze for a few minutes. You can use this method every day for two weeks.
2. For oily hair will be useful mask, for the preparation of which you need to mix 1 tbsp. milk, 1 tbsp. apricot oil and 1 tsp. honey. All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed, apply to the hair and keep for about an hour. You can use a mask for dry strands. In this case, you should brew in 100 ml of boiled water 1 tbsp. of chamomile, strain and add to it 1 tsp. of oily liquid on the basis of apricot and 1 tbsp. of camphor rubbing alcohol.
3. Masks are made not only from the oil, you can also use the very pulp of the fruit. For example, you can make a shampoo that is suitable for all hair types. For this, you need to crush in a blender 0.5 kg of apricot pulp and 100 g of strawberries. Then pour steeped boiling water over 100 g of crushed rice for 10 minutes, and then mix it with the resulting fruit pulp. This mixture should be used instead of shampoo, rubbing it into the hair roots. Rice will absorb all the dirt and grease and make your hair shiny. After that, it is recommended to rinse the head with a decoction of medicinal herbs or water with the addition of apple cider vinegar.

Harm and contraindications

When using apricots, you should take into account some contraindications.

In the production of dried fruits and other products from this fruit, sulfites are often used in the factory, which can cause an allergic reaction in people with this tendency. In addition, such additives can cause asthma attacks in this category of patients.

People with pollen allergy may have the same reaction to apricot. Itching, burning in the throat and mouth can also occur. These unpleasant symptoms may go away after a while. But you should still consult a doctor to find out the cause and take appropriate measures.

Unripe fruit can cause stomach upset.

How to choose and store apricots

When buying apricots, in no case should you choose green fruits. Ripe fruit has a uniform orange color, there may be small spots of darker color. However, too dark spots are a sign of spoilage. Apricots must be firm and the skin must not show any damage. The smell of fresh produce is sweet and peculiar.

It is not possible to store such fruit in the kitchen at room temperature, it spoils quickly. In the fridge apricots can be stored up to 5 days. If dark spots appear, get rid of the product.

Can I freeze?

Apricot fruits can be frozen. The temperature of the freezer should be -18 or lower. Frozen product is stored for a year.

Before sending the fruit for freezing, it should be washed and dried with a paper towel. Next, cut the apricots into slices, place them on a tray and load them into the freezer. When they become "glassy", they can be transferred to a bag, tied tightly and sent for storage. It is advisable to write the date on the bag so you know the expiration date.

What can be cooked from apricots: recipes

Dishes based on apricots are quite popular, because this fruit is liked by many people. Such fruits are very tasty, have a unique flavor. The pulp contains many useful substances that are good for the heart. Since mankind began to consume apricots, many recipes have appeared, and not only the pulp is used, but also the pit.

Jam

You will need 1 kg of fruit and 700 grams of sugar. First, you should wash and peel the fruit. Fill the pulp with granulated sugar and leave it overnight. During this time, it will let the juice flow. The resulting liquid is drained to make the dessert more dense. Next, put the apricots on low heat. As necessary, remove the foam. From the moment of boiling, boil the mass for 30 minutes. After that, pack the jam in sterilized containers and seal it. Reverse the jars, wrap with a blanket and leave until it cools.

Jam

To prepare a fruit jam need 1 kg of apricots and sugar. Start the process by preparing the fruits - they need to be washed, cut into slices, remove the core. Ready raw materials send to a blender and grind until a homogeneous pulp. Measure the desired amount of pulp, sprinkle with sugar, stir and leave for 20-25 minutes. Next, pour the jam into an enamel bowl with a thick bottom and put it on medium heat. After boiling, use a skimmer to remove the foam. Cook the dessert for about 20 minutes, then hot pour it into sterile containers. Store jars under a blanket upside down until they cool. Ready jam stored in a cold place.

Jam .

To prepare a thick jam, you need to prepare 4 kg of whole fruit, about 3 kg of apricot halves, 1.5 kg of granulated sugar and a little cinnamon to taste. This amount of products turns out about three half-liter jars of jam.

For such a dessert, you need to select ripe apricots, soft, but without signs of rotting. The fruits should be washed, dried and cleaned of pips. Next, transfer the fruit halves to the bowl in which they will be boiled. Fill the apricots with sweetener. In this form, they should stand for about five hours. During this time, stir the mass several times, so that the sugar component is evenly distributed in the pulp and syrup begins to emerge more quickly.

Put the pot with the preparation on the stove and on medium heat bring it to a boil. Several times you need to stir the apricots, and also remove the foam.

After boiling, turn down the heat and boil the jam for 35-40 minutes. The longer the mass will be boiled, the thicker it will be. You should not leave the marmalade unattended, it should be constantly stirred, so that it does not stick. A few minutes before it is ready, add cinnamon. Hot dessert spread into sterilized dry jars and seal with lids.

Compote

To prepare one three-liter jar of compote you need 600 g of apricot fruit, 200 g of apples, a glass of sugar and water.

First you need to wash the fruit, peel it from the core. Next, the raw material should be placed in sterilized containers with a volume of three liters.

Regardless of what proportions are specified in the recipe, it is still not recommended to fill the jar heavily with fruit. It is best to fill the container to 1/3 of the total volume of the jar. Now, you need to fill the top of the fruit with sugar and pour steep boiling water into the jar. In this form cork the container with lids. Take the jar and shake it several times. This is to ensure that the granules of sugar completely dissolved. Then you should turn the jar, wrap it with a blanket and leave for 12-14 hours to cool.

Such a compote can be stored even at room temperature. Of course, if there is a basement, it is better to put them in a cool place, but also in the apartment with them nothing will happen.

Juice

To make delicious and healthy juice, you need to prepare 1 kg of apricot fruits and a glass of sugar. The cooking process begins with the preparation of fruit. Wash the apricots, cut them in two parts, remove the pips. You can chop the fruit in a blender or leave it in halves. Add to the apricot mass a glass of water and boil for a few minutes over low heat. The mixture will be ready when the fruit is completely boiled. Now you need to strain the resulting base. You can do this with gauze, which should be folded in several layers, so that the pulp of the fruit does not get into the juice.

Next, you need to crack a few pips and place the collected kernels for 1 minute in boiling water. Pour granulated sugar in a fruit mass and add the prepared kernels. The resulting mass put on the fire until the first bubbles appear. Sugar by this time should dissolve, then remove the kernels from the preparation.

Jars should be prepared in advance and pour the hot mixture into them. Next, place the glass container with the juice base in a large saucepan with water and boil for about 20 minutes. After the specified period, turn off the fire, and leave the jars in the kitchen until completely cooled.

Confit

Confit, unlike jam and jam, has a special structure. Thus, the liquid part of such a dessert should resemble a jelly-like mass in consistency. The fruits themselves should be pronounced, regardless of whether they are whole or in pieces. There are many recipes for apricot confit.

To prepare such a delicacy according to the classic recipe, you need 1 medium-sized lemon, 1 kg of fresh apricot fruits, 1 kg of sugar.

The fresh fruit must first be thoroughly washed and cut in half. Also remove the pips. If the fruits are too large, it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces. Prepared fruits to transfer to a small container. Here add the zest of a whole lemon.

Then fill the surface of the apricots evenly with white sugar. The mass should not be stirred, you just need to shake it slightly and cover it. In this form, place the fruit mass for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Within a day, the apricot fruit will insist and let out a sufficient amount of juice. Therefore, there is no need to use additional water. In addition, the fruit becomes soft, which further reduces the time needed to fully cook the confit. The next day, put the container on the fire and cook the confit for 20 minutes. All this time, the mixture should be stirred and as necessary to remove the foam. Then turn off the stove and immediately pour the hot jam into clean containers. Jars should be tightly sealed and then sent for storage in a pantry or cellar.

Tincture

To prepare a fruit tincture, you can use a simple recipe that does not involve the use of apricot kernels. In this case, you will need 1 kg of fruit, 1 liter of vodka and 0.5 kg of sugar. To get a sweeter alcoholic drink, you can increase the amount of sweetener.

First, you should peel the apricots from the cores, which, incidentally, can be used to make a separate tincture in another recipe. The prepared pulp should be placed in a jar and pour vodka. Alcohol-containing liquid should completely cover the fruit base by at least 5 cm. Close the container tightly and send it to a warm and dark place for a month. Every five days you need to shake the mixture. Then pour the liquid part into a separate bowl. Sprinkle the remaining fruit pulp with sugar, stir it and cover with a lid. This mass should be kept in the sun for two weeks, shaking it every few days. This is done so that the sweetener extracts from the pulp the remnants of flavored alcoholic beverage. Now filter the syrup and squeeze the apricot base.

Mix the infusion with the syrup and incubate for another week in a dark place. The finished drink is passed through a cloth or gauze, and then packed into bottles for further storage. Such a product is stored for 3-5 years.

Wine

Ingredients: 1 part ripe fruit, 1 part sugar and three parts purified, unboiled water. Preparation of fruit consists of wiping them with a clean cloth, remove pips, as well as rotten fruit. The prepared material should be thoroughly kneaded and placed in a bowl, pour lightly heated water, cover with gauze and leave for a few days, stirring the mass regularly. In 1-2 days the must will begin to ferment.

On the 5th day the juice from the fermenting mixture should be carefully drained, and the pulp squeezed with a gauze cloth. Add sugar to the collected liquid and put it in a dark place at room temperature under a trap. The drink in a container should occupy no more than 2/3 of the volume.

Fermentation takes from 10 to 20 days, depending on the temperature conditions in the room (the temperature should not be below 18 and not above 30 degrees). It is also affected by the sugar content of apricots. The readiness of the product is determined by a water stopper or by the glove that comes down.

The young apricot wine is ready. Now you need to separate it from the sediment through a tube. Carry out such procedures should be 2 times every 2 days. Next, cork the liquid and send it to a cool room for further fermentation. This usually takes 3-4 months. Only after the specified period, the liquid can be called wine. Then all that remains is to once again drain the product from the sediment and bottle it.

Pastila

The process of making homemade marshmallow from apricots is quite simple. You just need to turn the fruit into puree and put it on a baking tray as a thin layer. Then subject the resulting mass to drying in any convenient way. It is possible to prepare such a treat without adding sugar. It is good to use a filler in the form of crushed nuts.

You can prepare marshmallow with granulated sugar. In this case you will need 2 kg of fruit and 0.5 cup of sweetener. In this case you will need to mix the crushed raw material with sugar until it dissolves and put it in a bowl with a thick bottom. Boil the mass until its volume is reduced by about half.

Sauce

You can make a sauce of apricots for the meat. For this you need to prepare 700 g of fruit fruits, half a chili pepper, 30 g of sugar component, 5 cloves of garlic, 10 g of salt and dill greens.

First you need to wash the apricots, remove the core and cut into small pieces. In a suitable bowl put the apricots, salt and sugar. Then add water and bring mixture to boil. Cook the sauce for 15 minutes on low heat. During this time, chop the remaining ingredients, add them to the main mass and cook for another quarter of an hour. Such a preparation is suitable for long-term storage. Therefore, in hot form, it should be poured into sterile jars and corked.

apricots .

On a baking tray, you should lay out parchment paper and lay on it apricots divided in half and send it to the oven. The temperature of the oven should be 40 degrees. After three hours the temperature can be raised to 60. The door is recommended to open slightly. This is done so that there was evaporation, otherwise apricots will not turn out, and apricots will bake. A couple of hours before readiness, set the mode to 50 degrees. It takes an average of 10 hours to cook such a treat.

To preserve the rich bright color of the dessert, before loading it into the oven, you need to hold the fruit over boiling water for 10 minutes. This should be done with the help of a colander. To give apricots an amber color, you can use citric acid. In this case, before drying, it is necessary to hold apricot fruits for some time in a solution consisting of 1 tbsp. of acid and 2 liters of water.

How to eat apricots

According to the rules of etiquette, to eat an apricot properly, you need to hold it with the stalk downwards, and bite closer to the pit. When the core of the fruit becomes visible, it must be taken out with the fingers of the other hand. Eat such a product together with the skin.

You can simply cut the fruit in two parts and enjoy its pleasant taste. Such a sunny fruit is used both fresh and in the form of jam, apricots, it is added to salads and desserts, as well as second courses. In addition, apricots can be combined with various dairy products, include in porridges and pastries.

How much you can eat per day

Adults can eat no more than 500 g of fresh fruits and 100 g of dried fruits per day. For pregnant women, the acceptable rate is 5-6 fruits in fresh form and no more than 50 grams of apricots. As for the squeezed fruit, you can drink no more than 150 ml of the drink.

Children from 10 months of age can be given a fruit puree of a couple of apricots, diluted with water or milk.

Can I eat at night and on an empty stomach?

It is not recommended to eat apricot fruits on an empty stomach and before going to bed. The fact is that this product, like many other fruits, contains a lot of acids, which can irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach. In addition, such fruits increase the appetite, that is, the acids in their composition stimulate the synthesis of gastric juice. This applies to the more sour varieties.

If apricots are sweet, they may increase the load on the pancreas. In addition, in the evening the food moves more slowly through the digestive tract, so there is a possibility of fermentation. This can result in flatulence and bloating.

Is it possible to eat apricot seeds?

Apricot kernels contain hydrocyanic acid, which is dangerous for humans in large doses. However, eating apricot kernels in small quantities will help increase brain activity and protect the heart from developing diseases. In addition, the core of the fruit is rich in protein, which is necessary for the normal development of muscle tissue.

Can we give pets apricots

As for apricots, dogs can be given small amounts of dried fruit. It is especially good to give them during the period of active growth, as well as during the pregnancy of the pet. Some owners of pets note that from apricots, animals bloat, from fresh fruit such phenomena are not observed. Some have a laxative effect of the product. In general, everything is very individual.

Interesting facts about apricots

1. From a botanical point of view, apricots are relatives of plums.
2. Most apricot trees grow in Turkey.
3. Dried apricot fruits without a seed are called apricots. If the fruit is dried with the core, it is called apricot. But, besides this, there is another option. In this case, the pit is taken out of the fruit, the core is taken out and put back into the apricot. Such a product is called "ashtak-pashtak".

Photo of apricots