Quick Answer
Yes, you can soak dried apricots. Soaking dried apricots in water helps rehydrate them, making them plumper and juicier. It also makes them easier to cook with or eat as a snack. The best way to soak dried apricots is to submerge them in room temperature water for a few hours, changing the water periodically. Some tips for soaking apricots include:
- Use a bowl or container and cover apricots with water by 1-2 inches.
- Let soak for 2-6 hours, changing the water every 1-2 hours.
- Drain and use soaked apricots immediately, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- For quicker soaking, cover with boiling water and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Add spices, juice or liquor to the soaking liquid for extra flavor.
Soaked, rehydrated apricots have a juicy, plump texture perfect for eating raw, adding to baked goods, using in stuffing recipes, blending into smoothies and more. Dried apricots are a shelf-stable pantry item that transform into a delicious, versatile ingredient when soaked.
What Are Dried Apricots?
Dried apricots are apricots that have had their water content removed through drying, making them a concentrated, portable fruit that stores well. Fresh apricots are dried either naturally by sun drying or through dehydrators. The dehydration process preserves the apricots by stopping enzymatic browning and mold growth. It also intensifies the flavor and brings out the apricots’ natural sweetness.
Dried apricots come in several varieties:
- Sulfured – Treated with sulfur dioxide to retain color and extend shelf life.
- Unsulfured – Naturally dried without preservatives.
- Turkish – Smaller, softer, honey-sweet apricots traditionally sun-dried in Turkey.
- California – Larger, firmer apricots from California orchards.
No matter the variety, dried apricots are high in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium and iron. But their concentrated sugar content means they are also higher in calories than fresh apricots.
Why Soak Dried Apricots?
Soaking dried apricots serves a few purposes:
Rehydration
Soaking causes dried apricots to absorb water, making them plumper, softer and juicier. Rehydrating returns moisture to the fruit.
Texture Change
Water restores some of the cell structure in dried apricots, transforming them from chewy, leathery pieces into softened, tender ones. Their texture becomes closer to that of fresh apricot halves.
Enhanced Flavor
As dried apricots rehydrate, the flavor becomes fresher and brighter. Soaking gives them more of the tart, fruity apricot taste instead of very concentrated sweetness.
Easier to Cook
Soaked, rehydrated apricots hold their shape better when cooked. They blend more smoothly into batters and mixtures without staying overly dry and tough.
Quick Snack
Soaked apricots make for juicy, satisfying bites to eat as is. Their refreshed texture and flavor transforms them from dry, chewy snacks into refreshingly sweet and tender treats.
How to Soak Dried Apricots
Follow these simple steps for properly soaking dried apricots:
1. Prepare apricots
Remove any pits, stems, sap or damaged apricots. Give the fruit a quick rinse if needed.
2. Boil water (optional)
For quick soaking, bring water to a boil and pour over apricots to immerse. Let sit 30 minutes.
3. Fill bowl
Place apricots in a bowl and cover with room temperature water by 1-2 inches.
4. Let soak
Allow apricots to soak for 2-6 hours. Change the water every 1-2 hours.
5. Drain and use
Drain off soak water. Eat soaked apricots immediately or refrigerate up to 5 days.
The longer dried apricots soak, the more liquid they will absorb and the softer they become. For very firm, leathery apricots, aim for 4-6 hours total soak time with multiple water changes. If using softer Turkish apricots, 2-3 hours may be enough.
Monitor the apricots as they soak. They are ready when plump, softened throughout and slightly tender. Avoid soaking too long, as this can cause them to become mushy.
Soaking Time Guidelines
| Apricot Variety | Soak Time |
|---|---|
| Firm California apricots | 4-6 hours |
| Soft Turkish apricots | 2-3 hours |
| Any apricots in boiling water | 30 minutes |
Soaking Liquid Ideas
For extra flavor, soak dried apricots in more than just plain water. Try any of these liquid options:
- Fruit juice – Orange, apple, pineapple, or other juices infuse flavor.
- Wine or liqueur – For adults, use brandy, amaretto, spiced rum or other spirits.
- Coffee or tea – Brewed coffee or tea adds flair.
- Spiced water – Cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom and cloves add warmth.
- Sweeteners – Honey, maple syrup, agave brighten the liquid.
- Aromatics – Vanilla, lemon slices, rosemary or lavender make it fragrant.
Experiment to create your own signature soaked apricot flavor. The possibilities are endless!
What to Do With Soaked Apricots
Rehydrated, plump apricots are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to eat and cook with soaked dried apricots:
- Chop and add to yogurt, oatmeal or cold cereal
- Blend into smoothies for natural sweetness
- Mix into stuffing or grain salads
- Bake into cakes, muffins, scones and breads
- Simmer in tagines, stews and braises
- Roast with carrots, parsnips and Brussels sprouts
- Grill or sauté to caramelize their natural sugars
- Purée into sauces and chutneys
- Add to trail mixes or snack mixes
- Layer in a yogurt parfait
Soaked apricots pair especially well with almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, goat cheese, chicken, pork, lamb, beef, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, zucchini, whole grains and citrus.
With their bright flavor and tender-firm bite, soaked dried apricots make an easy, nutritious addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
How to Store Soaked Apricots
To retain texture and prevent spoilage, properly store soaked dried apricots:
- Keep soaked apricots in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Use within 3-5 days for best quality.
- Seal container to prevent fridge odors from absorbing.
- If storing longer than 5 days, blanch apricots for 2 minutes before refrigerating for up to 2 weeks.
- Apricots can also be frozen for 6-8 months for longer storage.
The high moisture content of soaked fruits means they are prone to quicker spoilage. Proper refrigeration keeps soaked apricots fresh and delicious.
Conclusion
Soaking dried apricots is an easy kitchen technique that yields big rewards. With minimal time and effort, you can rehydrate desiccated apricots into soft, luscious fruits brimming with bright, refreshing flavor. Keep dried apricots on hand and soak as needed to add the convenience of a pantry staple with the delicious taste and texture of juicy fresh apricots. Let your soaked apricots shine in both sweet and savory dishes, or enjoy their plump, tender bites all on their own.