In summer, when apricots are in season, you may not yet be aware of the need to preserve the pits of these delicious fruits. In this article, you’ll learn all the good reasons to preserve apricot pits.
Apricot pits have many unsuspected virtues, and we’re going to show you five good reasons to preserve apricot pits.
Why should you keep your apricot pits?
In the kitchen:
In the kitchen, the apricot pit can be a surprisingly tasty ingredient. Inside the hard pit is a bitter almond, which, when roasted, offers a flavor all its own. This almond can also be ground into a powder and added to cakes, pies or homemade ice creams.
Culinary tips: To reduce the bitterness of almonds, it’s best to toast them beforehand.
Apricot kernels are rich in vitamin B17 :
Apricot kernels are endowed with beneficial properties for our health, as they contain amygdalin in particular. Amygdalin is a compound that can transform into vitamin B17 when ingested. This vitamin is often cited for its anti-cancer properties.
Rich in fiber, phosphorus and potassium, apricot kernels support healthy digestion and cardiovascular health.
Warning: in high doses, amygdalin can be toxic, so consume apricot kernels in moderation.
For natural beauty
Apricot kernels can be used as a natural beauty solution, thanks to their richness in oils and antioxidants. The oil extracted from apricot kernels is rich in vitamins A and E, which have moisturizing and anti-aging properties. This oil can be used as a natural moisturizer for face and body, and also for hair. It is also recommended for lips.
To make your own apricot kernel oil, you’ll need :
- Dried apricot kernels,
- a hammer
- a canvas bag,
- a mortar
- a pestle,
- a coffee filter a glass bottle.
Start by crushing the pits with the hammer, then grinding them in the mortar to obtain a coarse powder. Put this powder in the coffee filter and place it in the glass bottle. Leave to stand for a few weeks in a cool, dark place. Once the oil has been extracted, you can use it directly on your skin, hair and lips.
Ecological uses
Apricot kernels can be reused in an environmentally-friendly way, helping to reduce waste.
Apricot pits can be used as fuel for pellet stoves. They can also be used as a base material for handcrafted jewelry and home decorations. With a little creativity and patience, turn apricot kernels into beads for a necklace or buttons for your clothes.
Recycling ideas: use apricot kernels as a natural body scrub. You can grind them and mix them with coconut or olive oil. Simply grind them into a coarse powder and mix with olive or coconut oil. They can also be used as air fresheners, with a few drops of essential oil placed on top and placed in small sachets to perfume your cupboards.
For gardeners
Apricot kernels help propagate new plants. A good gardener can start an apricot tree from a stone. Planting your own fruit tree can be a fun and educational activity to share with your children or grandchildren.
Gardening tips: To germinate an apricot stone, first wash and dry it. Then place it in a plastic bag with moist foam and store in the fridge for two months.
After this time, plant the stone in a pot filled with potting soil and put it in a sunny spot. If you’re lucky, a small shoot will appear.
Apricot kernels have culinary, health, cosmetic, ecological and horticultural uses, so there are plenty of reasons to keep them.
