apricot
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-ounce cans apricot halves

ProduceYear-round; canned apricot halves are shelf-stable and available in markets throughout the year, though fresh apricots are typically in season from late spring through early summer.

Canned apricot halves are a good source of dietary fiber and beta-carotene (vitamin A), with lower levels of vitamin C than fresh fruit due to processing. The sugar content varies depending on syrup type; light or juice-packed varieties offer reduced added sugars compared to heavy-syrup versions.

About

Apricot halves are the pit-removed, halved form of apricots (Prunus armeniaca), stone fruits from the Rosaceae family native to Central Asia. Canned apricot halves are preserved in syrup or juice, making them shelf-stable and available year-round. The fruit has a soft, delicate texture and a sweet, slightly tart flavor with notes of honey. Canned versions retain much of the fresh fruit's nutritional profile while offering convenience and extended shelf life. The syrup used in canning may vary from light to heavy, affecting the sweetness and overall flavor intensity of the product.

Culinary Uses

Canned apricot halves are used extensively in both sweet and savory applications. They appear in desserts such as pies, tarts, compotes, and cobbler; in baking as a flavoring in cakes and pastries; and in breakfast preparations including oatmeal and yogurt parfaits. In savory cooking, they feature in Middle Eastern and North African tagines with lamb or poultry, glazes for ham or duck, and as an accent in chutneys and sauce bases. The canning liquid can be incorporated into dessert sauces, while the fruit itself can be puréed for preserves or incorporated into granola and snack bars.

Forms & Preparations

  • Canned in heavy syrup — Apricot halves preserved in a thick sugar syrup, offering high sweetness and a glossy appearance; commonly used in desserts and when additional sweetness is desired.
  • Canned in light syrup — A lighter sugar syrup alternative that retains the fruit's natural flavor profile while reducing added sugar; suitable for both sweet and savory applications.
  • Canned in fruit juice — Packed in apple, white grape, or pear juice without added sugar, providing a less sweet option; preferred for health-conscious applications and natural flavor emphasis.
  • Puréed or crushed — Processed canned apricots that have been blended into a smooth or textured paste, useful for sauces, glazes, and incorporated baking applications.
  • Apricot nectar — A concentrated, smooth apricot juice or purée sold separately from halves; used in beverages, sauces, and as a liquid ingredient in baking.