Looking for a suitable Apricot Nectar Substitute? Well, Apricots are attractive orange and yellowish fruits that have a slightly tart and sweet flavor. They are as tasty as they are nutritious.
Apricots contain an array of nutrients. Therefore, it could be a great addition to your recipe.
Apricot nectar is a byproduct of apricots. It has several uses and you can use it in a variety of dishes including cakes, chicken, pork, Bellini, sauces, chocolate pudding, and so many more.
You can also add apricot nectar to juices, smoothies, frozen treats, and salad dressing.
If you don’t have any apricot nectar on hand or want to try something new in its place, you can use substitutes.
Canned peaches, dried apricots, peach puree/nectar, apple juice, pear puree, and mango nectar are ideal apricot nectar substitutes.
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Is apricot juice the same as apricot nectar?
Most people use the terms apricot juice and apricot nectar interchangeably since they have several similarities. However, the two are slightly different.
Apricot nectar is usually d highly concentrated while apricot juice isn’t too concentrated. Therefore, apricot nectar is thicker and you can’t directly consume it the way you drink apricot juice.
Another noticeable difference is the taste. Apricot nectar has a sharper taste thanks to additives. The additives neutralize the acidic pulp and lengthen the shelf life.
If you want a drink, opt for the apricot juice. It is sweeter and also very nutritious.
The 7 Effective Apricot Nectar Substitute Ingredients
Here are a few substitutes you can use in place of apricot nectar.
You can use any of them depending on your preference and their availability.
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Canned peaches
Canned peaches are arguably the best apricot nectar substitute.
Although most people believe that canned products are not nutritious, it is merely a myth. Canned peaches are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Note that the nutrient count of canned peaches is higher because their cell walls are opened. When cell walls are open, the nutrient content multiplies.
In terms of flavor, peaches and apricots are quite similar. Peaches have a sweet and tart flavor. Therefore, the taste of your dish will only be slightly different.
Dried apricots
Dried apricots can be used in place of apricot nectar.
They are readily available and you can find them in supermarkets. If supermarkets close to you don’t stock them, you can buy from online vendors.
Note that this substitute has no water content. Therefore, you need to puree them for similar results. You can hardly tell the difference between pureed dried apricots and apricot nectar.
Dried apricots contain vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium among other nutrients.
Peach puree/nectar
You can use peaches to make peach puree or peach nectar at home.
Peaches are readily available in most grocery stores and farmers’ markets. The process is quite easy and the puree makes for an ideal apricot nectar substitute.
Just like apricots, peaches have numerous health benefits. Additionally, they have a similar flavor and aroma.
Therefore, peach puree or nectar will give you results similar to what you get when you use apricot nectar.
Apple juice
Apple juice is quite flavorful. Its taste is unique, and it also has several health benefits.
The sharp tingle of apple juice makes it one of the best apricot nectar substitutes.
I love using this particular choice because it gives me both the flavor and tingle I get from apricot nectar. Additionally, it is highly hydrating.
You can use apple juice as an alternative in most recipes that require you to use apricot nectar.
Pear puree/ pear juice
Pear puree and pear juice are both good substitutes for apricot nectar. You can use fresh pears to make the juice or puree at home.
Note that fresh pears will give you sweet juice or puree while the not-so-ripe ones will give you a tingly mild flavor.
If you are not in the mood to make juice or puree, you can buy readymade ones from the grocery store near you.
Pear puree and juice have numerous benefits, including metabolic benefits. I highly recommend using them as alternatives to apricot nectar.
Mango nectar
Mango nectar is not a popular substitute choice. However, it is a suitable substitute because its flavor is a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
The aroma and flavor of the dish you add mango nectar to will be simply amazing.
My favorite thing about this choice is that it has antioxidant and digestive properties similar to apricot nectar.
How to make apricot nectar at home
You can make homemade apricot nectar from fresh apricots.
I use this recipe because it is simple and straightforward. Additionally, you only need five ingredients.
Here is how to make homemade apricot nectar.
You will need:
- 10 cups apricots (halve them and remove the pits)
- 5 cups water
- ½ cup agave nectar
- I cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Method:
- In a large saucepan, place the 10 cups of apricots and heat them over high heat. When they start to simmer and then reduce the heat to medium.
- Let the apricots simmer until they are soft and broken down completely. This will take approximately 30 minutes.
- Remove the apricots from heat and then sieve. You can use a spoon to push the apricots through then collect the puree plus liquid in a large bowl.
- Add the sugar, agave nectar, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until they are completely combined. At this point, your homemade apricot nectar is ready.
- If you want to preserve it, pour the apricot nectar into a canning jar and place the can in a pan of boiling water ensuring it is completely covered with water. Let it boil for 20 minutes then remove the jar from the water.
- Let it cool then store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
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Conclusion
All the options we have discussed above give good results. Therefore, you can use any that suits your needs and falls within your budget.
My favorite substitutes are canned peaches and dried apricots because their flavor is very similar to that of apricot nectar. You can hardly tell the difference.
Try any of the substitutes above and let me know how your dishes turn out.
