The fruiting period of apricots is short, and the massive yield of the crop requires immediate action to process the fruits, since their shelf life is limited. Today there are several ways by which it is possible to obtain a valuable source of nutrients for a long time. To choose the best option, it is important to learn how to properly store apricots.
Optimal conditions
The required storage conditions depend on the degree of ripeness of the apricots, the chosen method of preparation and how large the quantity is, how many there are and how much storage is required. Fruits can be used fresh, dried or frozen, as part of compotes, jams and desserts, which directly affects what the storage temperature should be.
At home, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- overripe apricots are stored in the refrigerator; at room temperature, they will begin to rot in a couple of days, losing the quality of the pulp, appearance and taste characteristics;
- To store fresh fruits, you should not pack them in plastic; it is better to use a paper bag;
- It is permissible to store the product in plastic containers with a lid.
When stored in an apartment and the temperature is +10 0Apricots will begin to ripen quickly, so in such conditions it is recommended to store unripe fruits or those that are planned to be consumed in the near future. The optimal humidity for storing fruits is 90% humidity and temperature 0 0C, which corresponds to the conditions of the cellar.
Storing unripe fruits
Eating unripe apricots is fraught with poisoning. A person in this state is characterized by all the signs of intoxication, including vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever. It is optimal to wait until harvest time so that the fruits ripen and acquire the proper taste.
Some advise picking unripe apricots when it is impossible to ripen them under natural conditions, saying that apricots can “reach” the desired state at home. Green fruits should not be kept in the refrigerator; there will be no chance of them ripening.It is required to put each unripe fruit in a paper bag and place it in a warm, well-ventilated room, avoiding direct sunlight. The average time to improve fruit quality is 5 days.
Methods for storing ripe fruits
There are several ways to store fresh apricots. In order to ensure a long period and not lose the harvest, it is important to correctly select the collected fruits. Fruits without external damage and signs of rot are suitable for these purposes.
In paper bags
After harvesting, apricots can be stored in paper bags. This method allows for free flow of air to the fruit and does not create condensation, which is often present when using plastic bags.
In wooden boxes
For storage in wooden boxes, each fruit is wrapped in parchment or thin-layer paper. Before laying, fruits with signs of defects are removed. Fruits are placed in containers in several layers, not allowing them to fit too tightly. Control checks should be carried out periodically to identify spoiled fruits; if present, such fruits should be removed. The proximity of good and bad apricots in a short period of time can lead to damage to all the apricots in the box.
In a refrigerator
Apricots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It is recommended to use sealed containers for these purposes, as this blocks the access of oxygen. If the fruit is stored in a bowl, the proper taste will remain for 2 days. When the refrigerator temperature is 0 0The duration can be extended to 30 days.
Fruits can be stored in the freezer whole, cut into 2 or more slices or pieces. To do this, use plastic bags or plastic containers.The value of the nutritional qualities of fruits with this method is reduced slightly.
Drying
Not all varieties of apricots are suitable for drying, so this nuance should be taken into account when choosing fruits. Large, but not very juicy specimens are selected for the process. It is worth considering that the initial weight of fruit during the drying process decreases on average by 5-6 times. The product can be dried naturally, using an oven or special household appliances.
The easiest way is to simply hang the pitted fruits on a rope, which are placed in a place where there is good air circulation.
Before starting work, washed apricots are kept in water with lemon juice, using proportions of 1 liter and 1 tsp. spin, which will allow them not to darken. From pre-selected and processed fruits, the pit is removed and, if desired, cut into pieces.
When choosing a natural drying process, apricots are laid out on a flat surface, leaving in a cool, ventilated place for several days. They should be spread out in a thin, even layer and should not touch each other. Then they are taken out into the sun for 7 days and dried for 7 days. The finished product is placed in bags and must be consumed within 6 months.
When using the oven, you should follow the following sequence of actions:
- Place a cotton cloth on the grill and spread the apricots on it in a thin layer;
- preheat the oven to +50 0C, gradually increase the temperature to +70 0C;
- periodically turn the fruit to achieve uniform drying;
- After 1 hour, transfer the dried fruits to a baking sheet lined with baking paper for further drying.
To obtain the finished product, you need to dry the apricots for 10-12 hours.If the fruit has become elastic and does not release juice when pressed, then the process can be completed.
Bookmark for long-term storage
Bookmarking for the winter allows you to obtain a valuable source of vitamins and minerals during the winter period. The advantage of such methods is the minimum time for preparing and processing the crop, while the product retains its useful qualities almost completely.
Freezing
When using the freezing method, it is important to take into account the varietal characteristics of a particular variety. There are species that, due to their selection qualities, are not suitable for storage at low temperatures. A convenient cutting method is to form small pieces with preliminary removal of the pit, since after defrosting the raw material can be immediately used for its intended purpose.
Some practice the method of freezing pureed apricot mass, which is placed in small containers or ice containers, which makes it possible to later use the product in small portions when preparing teas or decoctions.
It is recommended to follow the following sequence of actions:
- wash and select suitable apricots;
- remove the seeds and cut into slices;
- spread on a flat surface and place in the freezer;
- remove and immediately place in containers.
In this way, you can achieve uniform freezing of the fruit and avoid the problem of lump formation. The recommended storage time is 6 months.
In the cellar
Cellar conditions are considered ideal for storing apricots. Fruits must be stored wrapped in thin paper. At temperature +5 0C harvest is able to retain its quality for a month.
What to do if the fruits begin to spoil
At the first signs of apricots losing their external qualities, a number of actions should be taken. It is impossible to store good and defective fruits together, so fruits without signs of rot are separated from their “spoiled” counterparts.
To prevent the fruits from completely spoiling, you need to freeze them or use them as an ingredient for preparing a sweet and tasty delicacy for the winter. For the second option, it is better to use recipes for jams, marshmallows or preserves, since the fruit does not have to be “ideal”.
It’s worth paying attention to “five-minute” recipes, which require minimal time to save the product and get a tasty treat. Overripe fruits are optimal for them, and this makes the preservation acquire an even richer taste. For preparation, a simple rule is used - you need the same amount of sugar by weight as kilograms of apricots. The processed fruits are covered with sweet sand for a couple of hours to release the juice, after which the mixture is brought to a boil and kept in this state for 5 minutes. After the workpiece has completely cooled, the process is repeated 2 more times.
Shelf life of apricots
For apricots, the maximum shelf life at home is 3 weeks. After this period, the fruits become loose and lose their taste and external qualities. If optimal conditions are created, the storage duration can be extended to 50 days. In refrigerator conditions, apricots retain their freshness for no more than 10 days; being in such conditions disrupts the structure of the fruit, and the fibers lose their appearance.
Frozen apricots store up to 6 months.Only one-time defrosting of the product is allowed; if it is exposed to cold again and the procedure is repeated, it will acquire the state of a watery porridge and will be unsuitable for consumption.
