APRICOTS ARE HEALTHY - BOTH FRESH AND DRIED

Apricots are rich sources of beta carotene, iron, and potassium.  They are high in fiber and yeah - low in calories and basically fat-free!  Yes, three fresh apricots have only about 50 calories and 10 dried apricot halves only have about 85 calories.

Fresh apricots are rich in vitamin C, however, when canned or dried apricots lose much of their vitamin C.  Still ounce for ounce, dried apricots are more nutritious than the fresh or canned ones.  That is because dried apricots are less than 1/3 water while the fresh apricots are 85% water.  (Remember this when you need hydration.  See article on this blog regarding "Eating Water.")

Apricots are great for desserts and for snacking.  Dried apricots and/or apricot leather are nutritious, fat-free snack foods.

Note: Apricots do contain natural salicylate which is a major ingredient in aspirin.  If you have an allergy to aspirin, be cautious about apricots.