Research shows that of any food, apricots possess the highest levels and widest variety of carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce “bad cholesterol” levels, and protect against cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, apricots are considered helpful in regenerating body fluids, detoxifying, and quenching thirst.
And for men, there is a possible added benefit: Apricots are a rich source of the carotenoid, lycopene. Choosing to eat lycopene-rich foods and regularly drink green tea may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests research published the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Jian L, Lee AH, et al.)
Hmm...makes me think twice about eating a fruit I usualy give very little thought to!
So here is a recipe featuring the amazing apricot!
Apricot Muffins
You'll Need:
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 large egg
3/4 cup apricot nectar
4 teaspoons orange zest grated
3 cups whole wheat flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup apricots, dried chopped fine
3/4 cup
Directions
Mix the sugar, shortening and egg until fluffy. Stir in the apricot
nectar and orange rind. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and add to the creamed mixture. Blend in the apricots and add to the batter.
Pour into the muffin tins, that have been sprayed with a non-stick coating. Let stand for 20 minutes and then bake at 350 degrees F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Cool on racks.
*nuts can be added to this recipe as well---just add some chopped nuts with the apricots to the mixture.