Growing Apricots

GROW YOUR OWN APRICOTS

Apricots are those beautifully orange colored fruits full of beta-carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer. Although dried and canned apricots are available year-round, fresh apricots with a plentiful supply of vitamin C.They can be grown as fans, bushes or pyramid trees - there are even dwarf varieties for a pot on the patio. Apricots are self-fertile and crop with a single tree.

Planting And Growing

• Most apricot trees from a nursery will be one or two years old. If it’s a two-year old seedling, it should have at least 4 solid branches on it. Anything less would mean its not thriving well.Plant 
• Plant your seedling first thing in the spring in a fertile well-drained soil, in a sunny position.Dig a large hole, a bit bigger than the root ball on your tree and gently plant it. 
• Fill in around the roots with compost as well as any extra soil. To keep competition to a minimum, weed around the tree for the first year or add a good layer of mulch at least 3 feet around the base of the seedling. Also water it regularly for that first year as well.Fertilizer (low-nitrogen, complete fertilizer) can be applied in later winter, and then once again during the fruiting period to help it cope with the added requirements of producing fruit.Water well during dry periods and when the fruit is developing.
• Prune annually to shape, removing any dead or diseased wood. Protect from Spring frosts. Water well during dry periods and when the fruit is developing.
• Most varieties need cold winter temperatures to set the fruit buds. Most varieties are self fertile, but will produce heavier and more regular crops if pollinated by another variety.
• There are some varieties of apricots that are dwarf (or at least have been grafted to a dwarf rootstock) and are suitable for container growing. Good ones are Garden Annie and Stark Golden Glow. They’ll produce about a bushel of fruit each year.
• Depending on the variety, you’ll need a very large container like a half barrel. Add extra stone before filling with soil to increase drainage. Water your potted tree during any dry spells or when the soil is very dry to the touch.

Harvesting And Storage

• An average harvest for a mature tree is 3 to 5 bushels of fruit each year.
• The fruit is ready from late July to August, when it is soft and detaches easily from the tree. Harvest and transport apricots carefully, to avoid bruising.
• Apricots can only be stored for a few days so are best consumed immediately – straight from the tree!
• Alternatively, they can be dried or made into preserves.Fresh apricots can store in the fridge for 4 or 5 days, but you can keep your fruit longer if you freeze them. 

Few Health Benefits Of Apricots

• Skin disorders- Apricot oil is good for skin care. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not keep the skin oily when applied. Apricot is not just useful for maintaining the skin smooth and shiny, it also aids in treating a number of skin diseases including eczema, itching, scabies, etc.
• Eye Health- Fruit like apricots, high in vitamin A and carotenoids, are now considered by many to help strengthen the eyes. One report stated that eating 3 or more servings of these fruits per day may help to prevent age related eye disease like macular degeneration.
• Weight Loss-Apricots are a low calorie, nutrient rich food source that may be a great addition to any weight loss program. In addition, the fiber in apricots may help to maintain a healthy weight level.
• Fever- Apricots can help fever. Preparation of a liquid or dilute with a little honey "apricot and water. This relieves thirst, fever, quiet and clean the system and the addition of vitamins and minerals.
• Heart Health-The beta carotene found in apricots is now considered by many studies to play a positive role in cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. They help prevent oxidation to LDL cholesterol and detoxify the blood.

Apricot Drop Scones Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 apricots, pitted and cut into 1/4 inch dice

Procedures

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined. Add butter and pulse until butter is the size of peas.
• While the motor is running, add heavy cream, continuing to mix just until dough comes together.
• Move dough to a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to gently incorporate apricots into the dough
• Drop dough onto baking sheet into approximately 3 inch rounds. Bake scones until golden, about 20 minutes.