May 4-7, 2015
Lots
and Lots of Apricots!
We tried lots and lots of apricots this week in Nutrition Expedition, prepared in a variety of ways! When I planned this activity a month ago, I made sure to research produce charts, and was under the impression that apricot season is typically May-August. Unfortunately, we are apparently still a few weeks shy of apricot season in the United States, so I was unable to get fresh apricots at the store :( I checked 5 or 6 different places before finally speaking with a produce expert at a fruit market in Grand Rapids, and he informed me that most locations don't get a shipment of apricots until June or later. We also just missed the South American apricot season, which supplies local stores with the delicious fruit during our winter months. Drats!
So, I had to improvise with canned apricots, instead. I drained the juice and rinsed them off to reduce some of the sugar content. We also sampled dried apricots, pureed apricots (baby food :)), and apricot juice. It was an interesting experience for our taste buds! Check out this pie chart of their favorite ways to eat an apricot:
We checked out a plastic apricot from the "Mystery Bag", and looked at several pictures of apricots. We also talked about how apricots grow on trees just like a peach, and are actually closely-related. Did you know that they are an excellent source of vitamin A and carotenoids, and help preserve our eyesight, just like carrots? Read more about the amazing apricot here!
**Update (5/5/15): I was just informed that Meijer in Grand Haven is now carrying fresh apricots as of Tuesday, after I just finished most of my classes for the week! That's the story of my life....
