Soaking apricots is a familiar way to maintain the full flavor of delicious fruit. However, there are many cases when soaking, there will be blisters, fermentation or a bitter taste that causes discomfort. According to some experiences, an important factor to ensure hygiene during the soaking of apricots.
Cleanliness is the key criterion, in which apricots after purchase need to be washed, soaked in diluted salt water and then completely drained. Soaking tools and containers must be dry, not sticky to water or grease. Wooden items should be limited in use due to their absorbency, which can cause bacteria or impurities to spoil apricots.
Regarding ingredients, you should choose apricots that are ripe yellow, the fruit is still hard, not crushed. You should not soak them immediately but need to leave the apricots in a cool place for 2-3 days to reduce sap, contributing to limiting the bitter taste after soaking.
The sugar ratio is a factor that needs to be adjusted flexibly. Instead of applying a fixed 1:1 ratio, it can be increased to about 1:1.2 to 1:1.5 depending on the sourness of the apricot. A higher amount of sugar will help balance the taste and reduce the risk of fermentation and foaming.
During preliminary processing, clean needles can be used to gently puncture the surface of the fruit to increase the ability to absorb, helping the apricot not to shrink and quickly absorb sugar. In the first 2-3 weeks, the lid should be opened periodically or stirred gently to make the mixture blend evenly, avoiding gas accumulation causing blisters.
In addition, placing the apricot vase in a place with light light will help make the color more beautiful, but it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight. When the sugar has completely dissolved, you should limit the impact to keep the apricot juice clear and the fruit not mushy.
According to experience, apricots soaked for a short time can still have a slight bitter taste. The longer the incubation time, the more stable the flavor, usually after about 1 year, apricots will achieve a more harmonious sweet aroma.
