Apricots are notable for their delicate flavor, velvety smooth surface, and wonderfully sweet aroma. Look for fairly firm, smooth, plump, well-formed fruit that has an orange-yellow to orange color. If the fruit is hard and tinged with green it won't develop its full flavor. Fully ripe fruit is soft to the touch, full of juice, and should be eaten as soon as possible.

Store unripe apricots in a paper bag at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Once ripe, usually two to four days, apricots will keep for a day, maybe two, if stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Let the fruit come to room temperature before eating, and don't wash the fruit until you are ready to use it. Remember to handle ripe apricots gently, being especially careful not to break the skin.