How to Ripen and Store Apricots at Home
By Manhattan Milk | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn simple steps to ripen apricots at home and keep them fresh longer. Get tips on checking ripeness, fridge storage, and avoiding common mistakes.
Quick answer
To ripen apricots at home, leave them at room temperature in a paper bag until they yield slightly to gentle pressure. Once ripe, store them in the fridge to extend freshness for up to a week.
Why apricots need careful handling
Apricots are climacteric fruits, meaning they continue to ripen after being picked. This makes it easy to buy them firm and let them soften at home, but it also means they can go from perfect to overripe quickly. A case of apricots is a convenient way to keep a supply on hand, but you need to manage the ripening process to avoid waste.
The main trade-off is between speed and evenness: a paper bag speeds ripening but can cause uneven soft spots if the fruit is stacked. A countertop spread takes longer but gives more consistent texture.
How to ripen and store apricots
- Check initial firmness: Gently squeeze an apricot near the stem. If it feels rock-hard, it needs ripening. If it yields slightly, it is ready to eat or refrigerate. If it feels mushy or has wrinkles, it is overripe and should be used immediately. Avoid buying apricots that are already soft or have green shoulders—they will not ripen evenly.
- Ripen at room temperature: Place firm apricots in a single layer in a paper bag. Fold the top loosely and keep the bag at room temperature (65–75°F). Check daily. Most apricots ripen in 1–3 days. For faster ripening, add a banana or apple to the bag—the ethylene gas speeds the process. Do not seal the bag airtight; trapped moisture can cause mold. Also, do not refrigerate unripe apricots—they will stay hard and may develop a mealy texture.
- Test for ripeness daily: Once an apricot gives slightly under gentle pressure and has a sweet fragrance, it is ripe. Color alone is not reliable—some varieties stay greenish even when ready. Taste one if you are unsure. Ripe apricots bruise easily, so handle them gently and do not stack them more than two layers deep.
- Refrigerate ripe apricots: Transfer fully ripe apricots to the refrigerator in a breathable container or perforated plastic bag. They will keep for 3–7 days. Bring them to room temperature for 30 minutes before eating to restore full flavor and juiciness. Do not wash apricots before refrigerating—moisture accelerates spoilage. Wash only before eating.
- Freeze or cook excess apricots: If you cannot eat all ripe apricots in time, halve and pit them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen apricots last up to 6 months and work well in smoothies, jams, or baked goods. Alternatively, simmer them into a simple compote. Frozen apricots will be softer when thawed, so use them in cooked dishes rather than for fresh snacking.
Product fact
- Case of Apricots: The Case of Apricots from Manhattan Milk is described as delicious and juicy, suggested for pairing with breakfast or as a light afternoon snack. Having a full case means you can ripen batches at different times, ensuring you always have apricots ready for breakfast or snacking.
Case of Apricots
