Easy Apricot Chutney Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes something a chutney? ›

Chutney is a savory condiment made from slow-cooked fruits or vegetables, vinegar, and spices. Originating from India, chutneys have traveled the globe, and every country has its own take on this versatile condiment.

Once made, chutney can be eaten immediately but the flavours improve and develop if it is left to mature for a couple of weeks or even months. Store your unopened jars in a dry and dark cupboard for best results. Once opened, keep your chutney in the fridge and eat within four weeks.

Place halves in layers, cut side down. Raw pack - Fill jars with raw fruit, cut side down, and add hot juice, syrup, or water, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process using the processing times on the table below. Remember to use the processing time for local altitude (see chart below).

Yes, you can freeze apricots. Start by cleaning, coring, and slicing the apricots into manageable chunks. Lay out the apricot chunks on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen apricot chunks to an airtight container, and return to the freezer.

If you have a sensitive gut, consuming too much of the fruit can cause digestive issues, such as stomach cramps and indigestion, says Jones. Remember, apricot is rich in fiber — so you might be more prone to post-apricot GI issues if you don't eat a lot of fiber in general.

Tomato chutney is common everywhere, but Bengali tomato chutney is sweet, thanks to the addition of dates or mangoes, and used to cleanse the palate between spicy and sweet courses, while Hyderabadi tomato chutney packs more heat thanks to dried chillies, and is served as a side dish with rice or flatbread.

Vinegar used in making chutney must be good quality and have at least 5% acetic acid content. Any good brand white, malt, wine or cider vinegar should possess the correct qualities. Brown sugar is used for darker coloured chutney but where a lighter colour is required granulated sugar is recommended.

Relish. Chutney and relish are two popular condiments, and the names are often interchanged. The confusion is understandable because chutneys can be savory, and relishes can be sweet. In general, chutneys have a chunky spreadable consistency much like a preserve and are usually made with fruit.

3. Allow for a long cooking time. It is essential that chutneys are allowed a long and slow cooking period in a pan that is not covered with a lid.

Fill the hot dry jars right to the top – preserves shrink slightly on cooling and a full jar means less trapped condensation. Seal the jars while still hot. This rule applies to all jams, jellies, pickles and chutneys.

Why does my chutney taste of vinegar? ›

Our answer

So it is worth tasting the chutney before you transfer it to jars, to make sure that the mixture is not too acidic. Generally the vinegar in the chutney will mellow over time and we suggest that you allow 2 months for the sealed jars of chutney to "mature" in a cool, dry place.

Rehydration: Dried apricots can be quite dry and chewy, and soaking them in water helps rehydrate the fruit, making it softer and more palatable. Digestibility: Soaking dried fruits can make them easier to digest. The soaking process can break down some of the fibers and make the nutrients more accessible.

RAW PACK. Wash apricots; halve and pit but do not peel, placing fruit in colour-protection solution (Fruit Fresh ® solution: 4 tbsp/60 ml Fruit Fresh® Fruit Protector to 8 cups/2000 ml water). Prepare light or medium syrup and bring to a boil.

There are three basic ways to preserve fresh apricots: freeze them, make apricot preserves, or dry them. You could also juice, can or make syrup out of them, but for the moment we will focus on the previous three methods.

Fruits such as dried apricots, prunes, and raisins will keep at top quality in the pantry for six months. After opening, you may wish to store them tightly sealed in the refrigerator to preserve the quality for up to six additional months or freeze them for one month.

Dried fruit can boost your fiber and nutrient intake and supply your body with large amounts of antioxidants. However, they are also high in sugar and calories, and can cause problems when eaten in excess. For this reason, dried fruit should only be eaten in small amounts, preferably along with other nutritious foods.