As Summer glows across Australia, apricots reach their golden prime — blushing with warmth, velvety to the touch and bursting with honeyed tang. From delicate pale yellows to deep amber hues, these sun-kissed gems capture the very essence of the season.
Juicy, fragrant and wonderfully versatile, apricots are nature’s sweet balance of tart and tender — sunshine wrapped in velvet.
Learning how to choose, store and serve apricots ensures you savour their fleeting perfection and enjoy every luscious bite at its peak.
Choosing the Best Apricots
A perfect apricot feels plump and slightly soft, with skin that glows in shades of gold and orange. Avoid fruit that’s overly firm, pale, or blemished — these are signs it was picked too early. A ripe apricot should give gently under pressure and release a sweet, perfumed aroma.
Smaller apricots tend to be tangier and perfect for cooking, while larger ones lean sweeter and are ideal for fresh eating. When you find that perfect balance between firmness and fragrance, you’ve found the true taste of Summer.
Storing for Freshness
Apricots continue to ripen after picking, so store firmer fruit at room temperature until fragrant and slightly yielding. Once ripe, refrigerate them in a single layer for up to five days — just bring them back to room temperature before serving to restore their delicate texture and sweetness.
Bruised or overripe apricots don’t need to go to waste. They make beautiful compotes, jams, or purées for baking — or roast them with honey and thyme for a dessert that tastes like liquid gold.
Preparing and Preserving
Apricots shine in both sweet and savoury dishes. Halve them fresh over yoghurt with toasted almonds, toss into salads with prosciutto and rocket, or bake into rustic tarts and crumbles. Their tartness balances rich cheese and roasted meat beautifully.
For preserving, simmer apricots into jam with a touch of lemon juice to enhance their natural brightness, or poach them gently in vanilla syrup for an elegant breakfast or dessert topping. Dried apricots — chewy and amber — capture their essence long after Summer fades.
Health Benefits Worth Noting
Apricots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, supporting healthy skin and vision. They also deliver fibre, potassium and antioxidants that help protect cells from everyday stress. Low in calories and hydrating, they’re the perfect snack for a light and nourishing Summer boost.
A Taste of Golden Summer
Golden, aromatic and softly tart, apricots are one of Summer’s most delicate pleasures — a fleeting treasure that turns simple dishes into something extraordinary. Whether eaten fresh from the hand or transformed into jam, each bite holds the sweetness of the sun itself.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in-season apricots on the table this week:
Golden, sticky and irresistibly aromatic, an apricot chicken tray bake captures the essence of Summer comfort food. Tender chicken thighs roast alongside juicy apricots, caramelising at the edges as their syrupy sweetness mingles with savoury pan juices. A drizzle of honey, a splash of balsamic and a scattering of fresh thyme create a glossy glaze that clings to crisped skin.
As the apricots soften, they release a tangy perfume that infuses every bite. Served straight from the oven with couscous or greens, this one-pan wonder is effortless yet elegant — a perfect balance of sweet, savoury and sun-ripened warmth.
Slow-cooked to perfection, lamb and apricot tagine is a celebration of warmth and spice. Tender lamb simmers gently with onions, garlic and a fragrant blend of cumin, cinnamon and coriander until meltingly soft. As the apricots break down, they release a golden sweetness that balances the richness of the meat, creating a sauce that’s both luscious and aromatic.
Hints of saffron and preserved lemon add brightness, while toasted almonds lend crunch. Served with fluffy couscous to soak up the spiced juices, this Moroccan-inspired dish is comforting yet exotic — a fragrant journey of sweet and savoury harmony in every bite.
Vibrant and refreshing, this peach, apricot and quinoa salad bursts with Summer colour and flavour. Juicy slices of golden fruit mingle with nutty quinoa, fresh mint and peppery rocket, creating a balance of sweetness, texture and bite. Toasted almonds add crunch, while creamy feta brings a savoury contrast to the sun-ripened stone fruit.
A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together — tangy, glossy and fragrant. Each forkful feels light yet satisfying, a perfect harmony of sweet, sharp and earthy notes. Served chilled, it’s a radiant dish that captures the essence of long, golden afternoons and effortless elegance.
