Dried Apricots: Golden Gems of Health and Flavor

Apricots, commonly known as khurmani, with their golden hue and sweet-tart flavor, are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrients. This delightful fruit has been enjoyed for a long time and good health reasons. Whether consumed fresh, dried, or as part of various culinary creations, apricots offer a range of health benefits that make them a must-have in any diet.

Native to China and later cultivated in the Mediterranean and Central Asia, apricots are now enjoyed worldwide especially in Delhi because there are some of the biggest dry fruits markets, named Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, and Sadar Bazaar which are historically known for their extensive dry fruit markets, offering quality and variety.

From one of the markets, Aap ka bazar® obtained their dry fruits for the last 40+ years to be an experienced monthly grocery app/website/store(s) and today they are providing the knowledge of this versatile fruit which can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in various culinary applications with a 50% off discount.

Beyond their delicious flavor, apricots are packed with nutrients that can contribute to overall health and well-being especially when it is dried, so let’s explore the health benefits of apricots and how they can be incorporated into an Indian diet.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APRICOTS:

• Promotes Eye Health: The high content of vitamin A and beta-carotene in apricots is crucial for maintaining good vision. These nutrients protect the eyes from damage and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
  
• Boosts Immunity: Apricots are rich in vitamin C, which enhances the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses. Regular consumption can help keep common colds and flu at bay.
  
• Supports Digestive Health: The dietary fiber in apricots aids in smooth digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. It also supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
  
• Improves Skin Health: Apricots are packed with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These vitamins also promote collagen production, keeping the skin supple and youthful.
  
• Heart Health: The potassium in apricots helps maintain normal blood pressure levels and supports heart function. The fiber content also aids in lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Apricots contain catechins, a type of flavonoid that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like arthritis.
  
• Aids in Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, apricots can help control appetite and support weight management efforts.
  

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE of APRICOTS:

Apricots are low in calories but high in essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly rich in:

• Vitamin A: Essential for good vision, a healthy immune system, and skin health.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports the immune system, and enhances skin health.
• Dietary Fiber: Aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of various diseases.
• Potassium: Vital for heart health, muscle function, and maintaining proper fluid balance.
  

CULINARY USES of APRICOT:

Apricots can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Dried: A convenient and anytime healthy option for on-the-go snacking, rich in concentrated nutrients.

For this recipe, you may choose Aap Ka Bazar’s apricots which are freshly packed in a hygienic pouch and will be delivered to your doorsteps in the whole of Delhi & NCR.

• Jams and Preserves: Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.

To save your jam preparing time, simply buy Kissan Jam of Mixed Fruit favour which gives the goodness of apricot-like fruits.

• Baked Goods: Incorporate apricots into muffins, cakes, and pies for a burst of flavor.

Getting fresh apricots daily is difficult, therefore choose Aap Ka Bazar’s Fruit Cocktail mix which is a blend of fresh fruits, dipped in sugar syrup to give an apricot-like fruit taste for bakery, mocktails, and desserts.

INCORPORATING APRICOTS INTO an INDIAN DIET:

Apricots can be easily incorporated into an Indian diet through a variety of delicious and nutritious recipes. Here are some creative ways to add apricots to your meals:

1. Dry Fruit Mix: Include dried apricots in your daily dry fruit mix along with almonds, cashews, raisins, and walnuts. This can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or as a topping for your morning cereal or yogurt.

For an instant breakfast option, Real Fruits Museli is perfect and is available with a 50% discount offer at the Aap ka bazar® application.

1. Apricot Chutney: Make a tangy and sweet apricot chutney by cooking dried apricots with spices like cumin, coriander, chili powder, and a bit of jaggery available at up to 50% off only on the Aap Ka Bazar® application. This chutney can be served with parathas, dosas, or as a side for rice dishes.
   
2. Stuffed Parathas: Prepare apricot-stuffed parathas by mixing chopped dried apricots with grated coconut, a little sugar, and cardamom powder. Use this mixture as a filling for whole wheat parathas and serve with yogurt or raita with up to 41% discount from the Aap ka bazar® application.
   
3. Apricot Curry: Add dried apricots to your vegetable or meat curries. Apricots add a unique sweetness and depth of flavor to dishes like mutton curry, chicken curry, or mixed vegetable curry which taste best especially when added to a kitchen king masala, available at 50% off on the Aap ka bazar® application.
   
4. Apricot Rice Pilaf: Enhance your rice dishes by adding chopped dried apricots to your pilafs or biryanis. The sweetness of apricots pairs well with the spices used in these dishes, creating a delightful contrast or you may choose ready-made rice from the Aap ka bazar® application because, with raw monthly groceries, it provides, ready to eat tomato rice, ready to serve masala rice, ready to heat lemon rice in just ₹110
   
5. Salads: Incorporate fresh apricots into your salads for a refreshing twist and a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The ingredients are available up to 50% off conveniently on the Aap Ka Bazar® application.
   
6. Desserts: Use apricots in traditional Indian desserts like kheer (rice pudding), halwa, and barfi. You can also make apricot jam to spread on rotis or bread or simply order dry fruit panjeeri laddu from the Haldiram brand, available at 50% off on the Aap ka bazar® application.
   
7. Smoothies and Shakes: Blend fresh or dried apricots into your smoothies and shakes. Combine them with ingredients like milk, yogurt, bananas, and a touch of honey for a nutritious drink. Apricots can be incorporated into smoothies for that added sweetness and a nutritional boost, or choose a ready-to-drink almond shake, cashew shake, and more from the Aap Ka Bazar® application to get an on-time home delivery.
                    
8. Apricot Ladoo: Make a healthy version of ladoos by combining ground dried apricots with cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, and a bit of jaggery or honey available on Aap Ka Bazar® application at up to 50% off. Roll them into bite-sized balls for a nutritious snack.
   
9. Breakfast Dishes: Add chopped dried apricots to your morning porridge or oatmeal. They can also be used in breakfast dishes like upma, and poha, or even incorporated into your morning dosa batter for a sweet twist. The mentioned ingredients of those dishes can be conveniently shopped from the Aap Ka Bazar® application with up to 67% discount.
   

By integrating apricots into these diverse recipes, you can enjoy their delicious flavor and reap their numerous health benefits within the context of a traditional Indian diet, especially in Delhi because Delhi people are considered foodies, and Aap ka bazar® understands the love for taste.

Therefore, Aap ka bazar® proved here that apricots are more than just a delicious fruit; they are a nutritional powerhouse that can support various aspects of health.

Incorporating apricots into your diet can enhance eye and skin health, boost the immune system, promote digestive and heart health, and aid in weight management. Whether enjoyed fresh, dried, or in a variety of dishes, apricots are a versatile and beneficial addition to any diet.

Enjoy them as snacks, in salads, or as part of your meals to reap their full benefits at up to 50% off in the whole of Delhi and NCR, because there is a monthly grocery app named Aap Ka Bazar® with a variety of apricot, khurmani, and apricot-related products and more 28,000+ grocery items including pulses, grains, rice, spices, dry fruits, ready-to-serve meal options, ready-to-eat snacks, ready-to-cook food, beverages, organic edibles, toiletries, cosmetics, and more with up to 88% off and on-time home delivery to your doorsteps.

Simply download the Aap Ka Bazar® app or visit your nearest AKB store(s) for a healthy walk #YahaSabMilega