How are you supposed to eat an apricot?

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Apricots were first cultivated in ancient China over 4,000 years ago. If you've ever wondered how are you supposed to eat an apricot, the good news is this versatile stone fruit can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked in numerous delicious ways.

Quick Summary

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for preparing fresh apricots, enjoying dried varieties, and incorporating them into baked goods, savory dishes, and healthy snacks.

Key Points

Eat the skin: Apricot skin is edible, fuzzy, and packed with nutrients, so there is no need to peel it.
Discard the pit: The hard pit at the center is not edible, and its kernel contains a toxic compound called amygdalin.
Enjoy fresh or dried: Apricots can be eaten raw, cooked, or enjoyed as a chewy dried snack, each offering different flavor profiles.
Ripen on the counter: Place unripe apricots in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the ripening process at room temperature.
Add to various dishes: Use apricots in salads, yogurt, trail mix, desserts, or savory recipes for a sweet-tart addition.
Less messy than peaches: Apricots have lower water content than peaches, making them a cleaner, less-juicy snack.
Nutrient-dense snack: Dried apricots, in particular, are a concentrated source of fiber, iron, and potassium.

The Anatomy of an Apricot: What's Edible?

Like other stone fruits, the apricot consists of three main parts: the velvety skin, the sweet-tart flesh, and the hard pit inside. The skin is entirely edible and packed with fiber and nutrients, so there is no need to peel it. Inside the fruit is a large, hard stone that contains a kernel. It is crucial to discard this pit, as the kernel is not edible and contains a toxic compound called amygdalin.

How to Eat a Fresh Apricot

Eating a fresh apricot is simple and delicious. The process is similar to preparing a peach or plum.

Wash the fruit: Before eating, always wash the apricot thoroughly under cool running water.
Slice around the seam: Run a paring knife around the natural seam of the apricot, from the stem to the bottom.
Twist to separate: Hold each half of the fruit and gently twist them in opposite directions to pull them apart.
Remove the pit: Use your fingers or a spoon to pop out the kernel.
Enjoy: Eat the apricot out of hand, or slice it up for various recipes.

Fresh apricots are less juicy than peaches, making them a less-messy option for snacking. Their sweet-tart flavor is perfect on its own or added to other dishes.

Ideas for enjoying fresh apricots:

Slice and add to a morning bowl of yogurt or oatmeal.
Chop and toss into a salad with feta, almonds, and greens.
Blend with orange juice for a refreshing sorbet.
Grill the halves, cut-side down, for a caramelized, smoky flavor.
Make a simple salsa with chopped apricots, shallots, and fresh herbs.

Savoring Dried Apricots

Dried apricots are a convenient, portable, and nutrient-dense snack that offers a concentrated, chewy sweetness. The drying process removes most of the water content, concentrating the fruit's natural sugars and nutrients like iron and potassium. When choosing dried apricots, look for unsweetened varieties, especially if you are watching your sugar intake.

Creative uses for dried apricots:

Trail Mix: Combine with nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits for a quick energy boost.
Baking: Chop and add to cookies, muffins, or cakes for added texture and flavor.
Savory Dishes: Toss into stews, tagines, or rice pilafs to add a contrasting sweetness.
Snack Balls: Blend dried apricots with oats, coconut oil, and honey to create nutritious energy bites.
Apricot Delight: A simple no-bake dessert made with desiccated coconut.

How to Ripen Unripe Apricots

If you've bought firm, unripe apricots, you can help them along the ripening process to unlock their full flavor. Place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple and store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. The other fruit will release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Check them daily, as they will ripen in just a few days. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Apricots vs. Peaches vs. Nectarines: A Comparison

While often compared, apricots, peaches, and nectarines have distinct differences. All are stone fruits and members of the Rosaceae family, but their physical and flavor characteristics vary.


Feature	Apricots	Peaches	Nectarines
Size	Smaller, about a quarter the size of a peach.	Larger, typically about 2 inches in diameter.	Similar in size to peaches.
Skin	Velvety and slightly fuzzy.	Very fuzzy.	Smooth and fuzz-free.
Flavor	Sweet with a pronounced tartness.	Generally sweeter.	Sweet with a tangier, slightly spicier taste than peaches.
Juiciness	Less juicy than peaches or nectarines.	Very juicy.	Quite juicy.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Apricot Your Way

Whether you prefer them fresh, dried, or cooked, apricots are a nutritious and versatile fruit. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and antioxidants, which support eye, skin, and gut health. The key is to know how to prepare them properly by discarding the inedible pit and choosing ripe fruit for the best flavor. With so many ways to incorporate them into your diet, from a simple snack to a delicious preserve, there's no excuse not to enjoy this delightful stone fruit. For more information on their nutritional profile, you can read more from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not have to peel apricots. The skin is edible and nutritious, containing a good amount of fiber and adding to the fruit's overall flavor.

No, the hard pit at the center of an apricot is not edible. The kernel inside the pit is toxic and should be discarded to avoid ingesting a poisonous compound.

A ripe apricot has a deep, golden-orange color and feels slightly soft when you gently press on it. Avoid fruit that is still pale or overly mushy.

To ripen unripe apricots, place them in a brown paper bag with a banana or an apple and leave them at room temperature for a couple of days. The ethylene gas from the other fruits will help speed up the process.

Yes, apricots are excellent for cooking and can be grilled, sautéed, or baked. They are used in both sweet dishes like jams and desserts, and savory recipes like stews and pilafs.

Dried apricots are a healthy and nutrient-dense snack, providing fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. However, they are more concentrated in sugar and calories than fresh apricots, so they should be consumed in moderation.

Store unripe apricots at room temperature. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them in a plastic bag or crisper drawer for 3 to 5 days to prolong their freshness. Ripe apricots left on the counter will only last for a day or two.