What is the average shelf life of an apricot? How long do apricots last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store apricots to increase their shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below:
Shelf Life of an Apricot
| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 1-3 Days | 3-5 Days | 5 Months |
| Cut | 2 Hours | 3-4 Days | 5 Months |
How to Store Apricots
Store unripe apricots in a paper bag that has been folded down at room temperature. Make sure the apricots are not in direct sunlight. Do not store unripe apricots in a plastic bag or airtight container and do not refrigerate unripe apricots. Washing apricots before storing them is not recommended. Storing apricots incorrectly can lead to mushy overripe apricots.
To store a ripe apricot, place it in a sealed plastic bag or container. Excessive air exposure can cause it to spoil quickly. Refrigerating ripe apricots can increase their shelf life by a few days.
Apricots kept in a freezer will last up to five months. To freeze whole apricots, wash them thoroughly then place them inside a freezer on a cooking pan. Transfer apricots to an airtight plastic bag or container once they have sat in the freezer for 24 hours. To freeze apricots that have been cut, create a solution of 1 teaspoon of ascorbic acid to 6 tablespoons of cold water. Coat sliced apricots with this solution to keep them from browning. Next, place sliced apricots on a cooking pan and allow them to sit in the freezer for 24 hours. Finally, transfer them to a freezer bag. Allowing apricots to freeze first will ensure that they will not stick together when taken out of the freezer.
How to Tell if an Apricot is Bad or Spoiled
There are several ways to tell if an apricot is bad or spoiled:
- Check for mold or holes on the outside of the apricot.
- Smell the apricot. A ripe apricot should smell sweet.
- Check the texture. If an apricot is too mushy or rock-hard, discard it.