Give the Apricot a Thought…

10 Fun Ways to Enjoy Apricots Fun Facts: 1 Plain Jane Just rinse and enjoy!  Apricots are members of the Rose 2 Apricot Blend sliced apricots and OJ family. They are closely related to Pops! together. Freeze in ice trays and peaches and are considered stone enjoy on a hot day! fruits due to the large pit in the 3 Breakfast Add some sunshine to your morning fruit’s center. Parfait with a yogurt parfait layered with apricots and whole grain granola  The Latin word for apricot is called 4 Sweet & Mix fresh or dried apricots and any praecocquum, which means, “early- Sassy Salad other fruits/veggies into a spring ripening peach.” lettuce mix and drizzle with a light  In China, apricots were called balsamic vinaigrette dressing. “moons of the faithful” and were 5 Tantalizing Combine dried apricots and other Trail Mix dried fruits with your favorite nuts, believed to enhance fertility. cereals, and pretzels. 6 PB&A Try apricot preserves from a Farmer’s Market or try making your own! Nutritional Benefits: Spread on whole wheat toast or a  One apricot has less than 20 peanut butter sandwich. calories, yet is packed with essential 7 Seared Sear sliced apricots in a pan with 1 nutrients! Sweetness Tbsp of butter and cinnamon until  Apricots are an excellent source of warm. Top with chopped walnuts if Vitamin A, which aids in eye sight and desired. immune function. 8 Apricot Add dried or fresh apricots to brown Accompani rice with garlic, onions, and dried  Apricots are also a good source of ment cranberries. Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and 9 Bake, Broil, For a delicious snack or side dish, potassium. or Sautee warm apricot slices using one of  Apricots contain several these methods, then add a little phytonutrients, including carotenoids cinnamon and nutmeg. and flavanoids, which act as 10 Dazzle with Blend apricots with a small amount a new of milk until smooth. Top whole antioxidants, aid in cell differentiation, Drizzle! wheat waffles, oatmeal, or French protect against macular degeneration, toast and enjoy. This puree also goes and boost heart health. great over low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt!

References:  http://apricotproducers.com/top-10-ways-to-enjoy-apricots/  https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/8-healthy-facts-about- apricots  https://aggie- horticulture.tamu.edu/syllabi/325/schedule/Classification,%20Nutritional%20&% 20Health%20Benefits/Overview%20of%20the%20health%20benefits.pdf