FIVE WAYS TO PREPARE APRICOTS

1. CHOOSE deeper orange apricots for more immune-boosting vitamin A. Orange indicates higher levels of beta carotene, the precursor to this vitamin — two apricots can contain up to 50 per cent of your recommended daily intake. 2. FOR a less sugary alternative to jam, cook dried apricots with apple juice until very soft and tender, then puree. 3. RING the changes by using chopped apricots instead of tomatoes in a healthy salsa (mix with chilli, lime juice, red onion and cumin). Apricots contain a similar amount of vitamin A to tomatoes, but are higher in bone-building calcium, and magnesium, which is good for the nervous system, bone health and energy levels. 4. EAT a handful of dried apricots with a couple of satsumas for an anaemia-protective snack. Four dried apricots provide about 10 per cent of your daily iron needs. The citrus fruit adds vitamin C, which improves iron’s absorption. 5. FOR an old-fashioned dessert, serve tinned apricots (in juice) with a little single cream — the fat will help your body absorb more of the fat-soluble vitamin A.