By Christian Dischler

Soon the colors of winter will drift away like leaves in the wind and make way for the
vibrancy of Spring.  For fruit lovers this signals the beginning to a bountiful time of the year where fresh produce begins to swing back into
season.  One of the first plants to bloom is the apricot tree, and lucky for us it yields a fruit brimming with health benefits and flavor. 

Apricots carry an abundance of amino acids and minerals in their sweet flesh and tangy skin.  While magnesium and selenium headline this list, an underrated benefit the fruit provides is assisting the body’s vitamin B12 production.  Compounds in the fuzzy skin help to clear out unwanted yeasts and molds in our systems, allowing B12 to perform at peak functionality.  In addition, the fruit’s flesh impedes our body’s ammonia supply, an intrusive gas causing widespread issues ranging from our mouths to our gut.  Simply ingesting one fresh apricot a day can give your body comprehensive rejuvenation, stabilize your energy levels and clear brain fog.  But it’s also a strong component in fighting specific ailments you might be experiencing. 

Cancer, gallstones, celiac disease, acne, asthma, chronic fatigue, diabetes, and Raynaud’s syndrome are only a few of the conditions that apricots are known to help.  Taking into account the versatility of this fruit it’s hard to imagine why you wouldn’t want to begin including them into your dietary plans.  On top of their benefits for conditional problems, they also target certain symptoms you may be suffering: nausea, tiredness, unquenchable thirst, gum pain, shortness of breath, bloating, and countless others.  So how can you maximize these benefits and ensure you’re getting the most out of this adorable fruit? 

Begin by shopping for fresh apricots preferably from somewhere nearby.  Fruits and vegetables maintain optimal nutrition the less time they spend traveling to get to you.  The majority of apricots in the US are grown in California, while some may be imported depending on the season.  Dried apricots retain a surprising amount of their nutrition when compared to other dehydrated fruits, but if going this route be sure to purchase ones that are sulphur-free.  The ideal amount to consume each day is 4 apricots, but one is better than none.  

For fresh apricots it’s imperative to allow the fruit to ripen before enjoying them.  This can be a dance with temptation but it’s well worth the wait.  Not only will the flavor improve but their health benefits will also be heightened.  If you’ve mastered the patience of waiting for fruit to ripen then you’ll enjoy this next tip.  Try to consume apricots after 3pm, when their nutritional value peaks, encouraging our bodies to receive their bioactive compounds more readily.  

Including apricots in your diet is easy considering how delicious and versatile they are.  Try slicing some to put on a savory grilled cheese with rosemary or making some hot pepper apricot jam. The possibilities are as endless as their benefits.