Simple Recipes to Use Up Leftover Apricots
These apricot crumble bars (Short Girl, Tall Order) feature layers of jam, with a yummy almond cookie crumble on top. Use ready-made jam to simplify (homemade jam needs sterilising jars etc).
Keep apricots away from young children, people with swallowing difficulties and pets (the stones are choking hazards, and fruit pips/seeds are all toxic to pets, due to natural cyanide). Read more on food safety for people & pets.
These bars will keep in the fridge for a few days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to a month.
Apricots are native to England, but not likely eaten as much as they could or should be. Originally from China, they are related to peaches and delicious in desserts and baked goods.
They are packed with nutrition, and super-tasty. Dried apricots are also nice, but choose organic (the other ones that are bright orange, are usually artificially coloured). Organic apricots are dark brown, but taste much nicer.
If you’ve never tasted apricots before, they taste like a cross between a peach and a plum.
How to Buy & Store Apricots
Choose apricots that are ripe or nearly ripe, avoiding ones with green spots.
Once bought, store in a ventilated container in the fridge, for no more than a few days. You can also ripen them in a paper bag, at room temperature.
Fresh apricots are in season from May to September. Try them in place of apple for a fruit crumble.
How to Prepare & Cook Apricots
You can remove the kernel by running a knife blade around, and twisting to remove the stone.
You can usually interchange apricot recipes with peaches or nectarines.
The easiest way to eat apricots is to simply stew them. They are very acidic, so use quite a lot of natural brown sugar, and cook in water until done. You can add a little natural vanilla sugar, if wished. Then just drain, and serve with vegan custard.
Apricot Compote for Porridge or Yoghurt
Slice your apricots, toss them in a small pan with a splash of water and a teaspoon of sugar or honey. Simmer for 10 minutes until they break down into a soft, jammy compote.
Spoon this over porridge, plant-based yoghurt, or granola. Use it as a quick topping—no extra fuss required.
Easy Apricot Scones
Chop fresh apricots and gently fold them into basic scone dough. The fruit keeps scones moist and adds delicate tartness. Bake until golden, then serve warm with vegan butter. These scones are perfect for an easy breakfast or a mid-morning treat.
Keep fresh dough away from young children and pets.
Blueberry and Apricot Muffins
Add diced apricots to your blueberry muffin mix. The fruit keeps muffins from getting dry and adds little pockets of flavour. For extra interest, toss in a handful of oats or chopped nuts. Pop them in the oven and enjoy a golden, fluffy snack.
Classic Apricot Crumble
Scatter sliced apricots in a baking dish. Sprinkle with a mix of oats, flour, vegan butter, and brown sugar for the crumble topping. Bake until the fruit bubbles and the topping goes crisp. Serve warm with vegan ice cream or custard.
Fresh Apricot and Vegan Goat’s Cheese Salad
Slice apricots thinly and pair them with peppery rocket, vegan goat cheese and toasted seeds. Add olive oil and a pinch of salt. The creamy cheese and sweet apricot balance each other perfectly.
Apricots are Hugely Popular in Armenia!
Although we grow apricots in England, they are not celebrated as much as in Armenia, where they are frequently served in both curries and desserts. The national ‘tipple’ is apricot brandy, and even the duduk musical instrument, is made from apricot wood.
Armenia shares its border with Turkey, Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Located in southwest Asia, it’s officially a European country of around 3 million people, just south of the south of the Caucasus mountains. People with Armenian heritage include Andre Agassi, Cher and Kim Kardashian.
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as the national faith, and so still protects its hundreds of ancient churches. Yet in England, many ancient places of worship have been turned into office buildings or luxury flats.
This country is so safe, that locals and tourists often happily walk the streets at night. You can usually even ask a local person directions at night, without worries. There are uniformed police everywhere, so you’re never far away from a ‘bobby on the beat’, if you need one.
