In season early autumn: Apricots

Apricots are harvested in New Zealand from late December through to March.

Buying

Choose fresh fruit that are undamaged and slightly soft with no green tinges. If you have apricots that are orange but hard, try ripening them at home in a brown paper bag for two or three days.

Storing

Store fresh apricots in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition

Fresh apricots are a great way to get a sweet hit without the kilojoules while being an excellent source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which has antioxidant properties and is important for vision and skin health.

Using

• Enjoy fresh apricots just as they are as a healthy, delicious snack.
• Halve apricots and add to the barbecue for about 10 minutes until they start to caramelise.
• Add apricots to smoothies, porridge, muffins or rice puddings.
• Apricots work well in savoury dishes. Try them in a Moroccan tagine or add to stuffing the next time you have a roast.

Recipe idea

Try this delicious Apricot clafoutis for dessert tonight!