Green Apricot | Green Apricot Relish
Green apricots are unripe apricots picked before they fully mature and turn orange. These small, oval shaped fruits are light green, have a solid appear and are coated in soft fuzz. Unlike ripe apricots, their pits are still soft, and they have a tangy, slightly bitter taste with a hint of almond flavor.
Green apricots are available from early spring through summer. They are hand harvested to help other apricots on the tree grow larger and sweeter. These tart, firm fruits have been used in Persian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking for centuries. Today, they are becoming more popular in the U.S. and Canada, where chefs experiment with them in chutneys, pickles, and Green Apricot Relish.
Making the Most of Fallen Green Apricots
This recipe for Green Apricot Relish is a great way to use the small, green apricots that fall off the tree before they’re ready to be picked. When you mix these green fruits with zucchini, which is another summer favorite, you get a delicious sauce that has the right amount of sour, sweet and spicy flavors. It tastes great on bread, with cheese, or on meats and sandwiches to give them a flavor boost.

For the first time in three years, my apricot tree has fruit this year. Rainbow lorikeets, on the other hand, have also found the tree! They quickly check each fruit to see if it’s ready, leaving behind apricots that are only half eaten. I began to think of clever ways to use the many green apricots that were falling to the ground. Could they be used in a tart? A chutney? A salad?
I chose to start with Green Apricots Relish, which I made with zucchini from my yard. Wild’s Ezy-Sauce makes this relish easy to make by adding zip and tang. It’s a great treat to make yourself, and I love eating it with a slice of sharp, creamy cheese on thick, seedy bread.
If you want to try Venison Cube Steak at home like a restaurant style, explore here.
Green Apricot Relish Recipe
This relish recipe has just the right amount of sour, sweet, and spicy tastes to go with cheese boards, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 860g apricots (slightly yellowed but still tart and firm)
- 300g white or brown onions
- 35g salt
- 412g sugar
- ⅓ bottle Wild’s Ezy-Sauce
- 4 large zucchinis, grated

Instructions:
Make the Green Apricot Relish Recipe in just 6 easy steps that you can do in your own kitchen and get a new thing in your kitchen.
- Prepare the vegetables: Roughly chop the zucchini and onions and place them in a large bowl.
- Salt and sugar soak: Sprinkle the chopped vegetables with salt and sugar, stir well, cover, and let sit in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
- Prepare the apricots: Cut the apricot into thick wedges or slices, removing the seeds.
- Cook the relish: Transfer the vegetable mixture to a heavy-bottomed pot. Add Ezy-Sauce and simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add apricots: After 1.5 hours, add the chopped apricots and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Jar and store: Ladle the hot relish into clean, sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let cool before storing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Try it on crackers with some aged cheese or sharp cheddar.
- For an additional tang, use it on burgers or sandwiches.
- Goes well with barbecued chicken or beef.
- Toss with veggie platters for a tasty dip.
Health and Nutrition Benefits of Green Apricots
Not only are green apricots a unique food item, but they are also good for you in many ways because they are full of nutrients. They have less sugar than ripe apricots but a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs.
Full of vitamins and antioxidants
- Vitamin A is found in large amounts in apricots. Vitamin A helps the eyes, the nervous system, and the skin heal itself.
- They have vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that helps the body fight off sickness, keep skin healthy, and heal wounds faster.
- Vitamins in the B complex group, like B6 and niacin, help the brain and body use energy.
High in Dietary Fiber
- Apricots have fiber, which helps digestion, keeps you from getting constipated, and is good for gut health.
- Fiber also helps keep blood sugar levels healthy and makes you feel full, both of which can help you control your weight.
Good Source of Essential Minerals
- Vitamin C and K: These vitamins are very important for strong and healthy bones.
- Iron: Helps make red blood cells and keeps you from getting anemia.
- Potassium: controls heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle movements.
Low in Sugar and Calories
- Apricots, unlike ripe apricots, have less natural sugar, making them a low-calorie option for those trying to limit their sugar consumption.
- Their low glycemic index (GI) helps to keep blood sugar levels constant.
High in Pectin for Gut Health
- Apricots are high in pectin, a natural fiber that promotes gut bacteria, aids digestion, and lowers cholesterol levels.
- Pectin is also useful in jams and preserves, giving them a thick and smooth texture.

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Top informational FAQs
What are green apricots?
Green apricots are young, unripe apricots that are picked before they turn orange. They are firm, sour, and slightly bitter.
Can you eat green apricots?
Yes, but they are very sour when raw. Most people cook or pickle them to improve their taste.
How can you use green apricots in cooking?
They are great for making jams, chutneys, and relishes. You can also pickle them or add them to savory dishes like stews and tagines.
Are green or unripe apricots healthy?
Yes! They are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. They are also high in fiber, which is good for digestion
When can you buy green apricots?
They are available in early spring through summer, depending on where you live.
How do you store green or unmature apricots?
Keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you pickle or preserve them, they can last up to a year.
Will green apricots ripen after picking?
Some might, but most will stay green and firm. If you want to test, place them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to see if they soften.
Where are green apricots commonly used?
They are popular in Middle Eastern, Persian, and Asian cuisines. In Turkey, they are pickled, and in Morocco, they are used in meat dishes like lamb tagine.
What do green apricots taste like?
They have a tart, tangy, and slightly bitter taste, similar to unripe peaches or sour plums.
Can you use green apricots for drinks?
Yes! Some people use them to make syrups, fruit juices, or even alcoholic drinks like apricot-infused liquor.
