How to Soak Apricots in Sugar
Sugar-soaked apricot juice is great for health, helps cool the body, improves vision, treats coughs, enhances cardiovascular function, and even has skin-beautifying benefits.
Ingredients
- 2kg apricots (either fuzzy apricots or peach apricots)
- 2kg yellow sugar (or white sugar, rock sugar)
- Coarse salt
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Remove the stems from the apricots and discard any bruised or rotten ones. Only select firm, fresh, and plump apricots. Rinse the apricots 2-3 times to remove any dust from the surface.
Next, soak the apricots in salted water for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse them again. Let the apricots dry completely in a colander.
To prevent the apricots from spoiling, make sure they are completely dry before soaking.
Thoroughly clean the jar you'll use for soaking the apricots. You can rinse it with cooled boiled salt water to disinfect it, then dry it completely. A clean jar ensures the apricots remain fresh and free from spoilage.
Soaking the Apricots
Spread a layer of sugar at the bottom of the jar, then add a layer of apricots. Continue alternating layers of apricots and sugar until the jar is full, making sure the final layer is sugar to keep the apricots from spoiling. The sugar will dissolve and help extract juice from the apricots without them drying out or rotting.
A useful tip to prevent spoilage is to sprinkle about 5g of coarse salt on top after covering the apricots with sugar. Then, tightly seal the jar and store it in a cool place.
When placing the apricots in the jar, avoid packing them too tightly. Leave about 10-15cm of space from the jar's opening to allow room for the juice to accumulate.
After about a month, the apricots will release all their juice and be ready to enjoy. During the soaking process, occasionally loosen the jar's lid to release any built-up pressure, then reseal it as usual.
Additionally, to prevent the apricots from spoiling before the sugar fully dissolves, you can use a press or a water bag to weigh down the apricots, ensuring they're fully submerged in the syrup. If you use a water bag, make sure to replace it as needed, since the rising syrup may push it up.
How to Enjoy
When drinking apricot juice, mix it with some ice cubes for a refreshing and fast-acting cooling effect.
