A guide to apricots in France. From when they are in season to easy and healthy apricot recipes (mainly French) using fresh or dried fruit. Did you know there's even a French baking expression, 'to apricot a tart'? Discover the complete guide below.
A Guide to Apricots in France
Fragile Summer fruit grown in 3 main sunny regions in Southern France: the Rhône Valley (Bergeron apricots, pale and slightly tart), Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur.
Although there are about 40 varieties, two are particularly popular for their deep orange and reddish blush and sweet, juicy characteristics: Bergarouge (large) and Orangered.
Fragile to Grow: due to extreme rain conditions in 2021, apricot production was down by a staggering 80% but thankfully with sunny climes since 2022, they're in abundance at summer markets around France.
For both 2025 and 2026 they have been exceptional, bursting with flavour.
Apricot Season
Summer. Mid June to mid/end August.
How to Choose Fresh Apricots
When choosing apricots, pick them quite ripe for eating straight away.
They should be soft but not brick hard. Avoid them if too green - unlike pears, apricots do not ripen further once they're picked.
How to Store Apricots
They are extremely fragile and bruise easily (like peaches and nectarines) so transport with care. Store fresh apricots in a cool (and dark if possible) place, and try to avoid keeping them in the fridge. Consume within the week.
Otherwise, they freeze well. Simply wash and dry them, half them, take out the stone and freeze for up to 3 months well sealed.
Why Fresh Apricots are Good For You
Apricots are rich in beta-carotene, which give them their deep orange colour. According to French dieticians, Dr Badariotti and Léa Lebrun (in their book in French, Manger Végetal), beta-carotene contributes to the growth and protection of bones and teeth. Apricots are also rich in potassium.
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Dried Apricots?
Fresh and dried apricots are not just a good source of fibre. Did you know that dried apricots are a valuable pantry ingredient at any time of year?
Dried apricots are high in magnesium so good for a little seasonal fatigue.
Have a flickering eyelid? French eye doctors have told me to eat a few dried apricots a day and the flicker disappears!
No need for expensive Magnesium capsules from the Pharmacy - eat 2-3 dried apricots with this homemade chocolate granola to start the day for an added healthy boost. More recipe ideas below.
French Pastry Expression: 'Abricoter une Tarte'
"Abricoter une tarte"
or to apricot a tart, means to brush some warmed apricot jam over the top of a tart or galette des rois to give it a delicious shine.
Perfect for this Quick Apple Tart or French Apple Custard Tart.
What's the Best Way of Cooking Apricots?
My favourite, quick way to cook them is to roast them in the oven for just 20 minutes. This helps concentrate their flavour, which is the best if you have tasteless apricots. No need to peel them before baking.
See the recipes below.
Apricot Recipes
Here's a complete roundup of our favourite French apricot recipes, both sweet and savoury.
Baked Apricots: halved apricots are delicious dribbled with good honey and roasted quickly in the oven. Great as a side dish or on its own for a light, summery end to any meal.
Not sure if your honey is the genuine article? Find out my tricks to see if it's good honey in my pork and honey recipe.
Apricot and Lavender Jam - when summer gives you a surplus of apricots, then this jam recipe is your friend. Add just a touch of lavender and it's bliss.
Why not try an apricot clafoutis twist to this French cherry clafoutis classic? We love this low sugar version with ground almonds. Follow the video for this gluten free strawberry clafoutis recipe and top with a little lavender for the ultimate flavour sensation.
Likewise, replace pears with apricots in this Bourdaloue Tart with almonds.
Apricot jam can be converted into a sauce to accompany this no-churn candied fruit ice cream, known as Plombières in France.
For more on candied fruits from the world capital of fruits confits,
see my post on cherries.
Brushing on apricot jam to a French tart is the best kind of delicious glaze. Glaze this quick apple tart or galette des rois for the ultimate shine.
Replace raisins with finely chopped dried apricots in these healthy banana oat muffins or bran muffins.
Savoury Recipe with Dried Apricots
Apricots are not just delicious in desserts but great in savoury dishes too. Use whole, dried apricots in this Chicken Tagine instead of prunes. They're hidden here in the sauce but it's fabulous!
