Apricot vs Peach: Complete Guide to Differences and Nutrition Facts

Both apricots and peaches are beloved summer stone fruits that grace farmers’ markets and grocery stores during the warmer months. While they share similar golden hues and fuzzy exteriors, these two fruits have distinct characteristics that set them apart in terms of size, flavor, nutrition, and culinary applications.

Understanding the differences between apricots and peaches can help you make better choices for your recipes, dietary needs, and personal preferences. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about these nutritious stone fruits.

Physical Appearance and Size Differences

The most immediately noticeable difference between apricots and peaches is their size. Apricots are significantly smaller, typically weighing around 35 grams per fruit, while a small peach can weigh approximately 130 grams—making peaches roughly four times larger than apricots.

Despite their size difference, both fruits share some visual similarities. They both feature:

• Yellow-orange coloration with potential red blushes
• Fuzzy, velvety skin texture
• Round to oval shapes
• A central pit or stone

However, apricot skin tends to be smoother and less fuzzy than peach skin. The pits inside apricots are also smoother and smaller compared to the larger, more textured pits found in peaches.

Because of their smaller size, people typically eat multiple apricots in one sitting, whereas one or two peaches usually constitute a satisfying portion.

Botanical Classification and Origins

Both apricots and peaches belong to the Rosaceae family, commonly known as the rose family. This botanical family also includes apples, pears, cherries, plums, and almonds, which explains why these fruits share certain characteristics.

Despite belonging to the same family, they are distinct species with different geographical origins:

Peaches (Prunus persica): Originally cultivated in China over 8,000 years ago, peaches spread to Persia (modern-day Iran) along the Silk Road, which is reflected in their scientific name. From Persia, they eventually made their way to Europe and the Americas.

Apricots (Prunus armeniaca): Apricots are believed to have originated in Central Asia, though they’re sometimes called Armenian plums due to their historical cultivation in Armenia. They followed similar trade routes to reach Europe and other parts of the world.

Nutritional Profile Comparison

Both apricots and peaches are nutritious fruits packed with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. However, their nutritional content differs primarily due to size variations.

Calories and Macronutrients

One apricot (35 grams) contains approximately 17 calories, while a small peach (130 grams) provides about 50 calories. When comparing equal weights, their caloric density is relatively similar, but the serving size difference is significant.

Per 100 grams, both fruits contain:

• Low amounts of protein (under 1 gram)
• Minimal fat (less than 0.5 grams)
• Primarily carbohydrates from natural sugars and fiber

Vitamins and Minerals

Both stone fruits are excellent sources of:

• Vitamin A and Beta Carotene: Essential for eye health, immune function, and skin health. Apricots are particularly rich in beta carotene, giving them their deep orange color.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• Potassium: Important for heart health, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Fiber: Supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Due to their larger size, a single peach provides higher absolute amounts of these nutrients compared to a single apricot. However, when consumed in equal weights, apricots actually contain higher concentrations of vitamin A and potassium.

Taste and Flavor Profiles

The taste difference between apricots and peaches is perhaps the most significant distinguishing factor between these two fruits.

Peaches: Sweet and Juicy

Peaches are known for their sweet, succulent flavor. A small peach contains approximately 11 grams of natural sugar, contributing to its pronounced sweetness. Peaches also have a higher water content, making them exceptionally juicy with each bite. The flavor is often described as honey-like with floral undertones.

There are two main varieties of peaches:

• Freestone peaches: The flesh separates easily from the pit, making them ideal for eating fresh or slicing.
• Clingstone peaches: The flesh clings to the pit, making them better suited for cooking and canning.

Apricots: Tart and Complex

Apricots have a more complex flavor profile characterized by a balance of sweetness and tartness. One apricot contains about 3 grams of sugar, significantly less than peaches. The tartness comes from malic acid, the same compound that gives apples their tangy flavor.

The flavor of apricots is often described as having subtle almond-like notes, which is fitting given that almonds and apricots are closely related. Apricots are less juicy than peaches, with a slightly denser, more velvety texture.

Health Benefits

Both apricots and peaches offer impressive health benefits thanks to their nutrient density and bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant Properties

Both fruits are rich in antioxidants, including beta carotene, vitamin C, and polyphenols. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and slowing aging processes.

Digestive Health

The fiber content in both apricots and peaches supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Fiber also helps you feel fuller longer, which can aid in weight management.

Eye Health

The high vitamin A content, particularly in apricots, supports vision health. Beta carotene converts to vitamin A in the body, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and may reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions.

Heart Health

Both fruits contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. The fiber content also supports heart health by helping to manage cholesterol levels.

Hydration

With their high water content, especially peaches, both fruits can contribute to daily hydration needs while providing nutrients—making them excellent choices for summer snacking.

Culinary Uses and Applications

Both apricots and peaches are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be enjoyed in numerous ways.

Fresh Consumption

Both fruits are delicious eaten fresh as healthy snacks. Always wash the skin thoroughly under cold water, gently rubbing with your hands to remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria. Avoid using vegetable brushes as they can damage the delicate skin.

Baking and Desserts

Peaches and apricots excel in desserts:

• Pies, tarts, and cobblers
• Crumbles and crisps
• Cakes and muffins
• Ice cream and sorbets
• Grilled fruit for a caramelized treat

Savory Dishes

Both fruits work wonderfully in savory applications:

• Glazes for meats, particularly pork and chicken
• Salads with greens, nuts, and cheese
• Salsas and chutneys
• Roasted alongside vegetables

Preserves and Jams

The natural pectin content in both fruits makes them excellent for making jams, jellies, and preserves. Apricot jam is particularly popular in European baking traditions.

Dried Fruit

Both fruits are commonly dried for long-term storage. Dried apricots are especially popular and provide a concentrated source of nutrients, though the sugar content becomes more concentrated as well.

Substituting in Recipes

While apricots and peaches can often be substituted for one another in recipes, keep these tips in mind:

• When replacing peaches with apricots, you may need to add slightly more liquid and sweetener due to apricots’ lower water content and increased tartness
• You’ll need more apricots by quantity to equal the volume of peaches
• Consider the flavor profile—apricots add more complexity and tartness, while peaches provide straightforward sweetness

Seasonality and Selection

Both apricots and peaches are summer fruits, typically available from May through September in the United States, with peak season in July and August.

Selecting Ripe Fruit

For Peaches:

• Look for fruits with a golden or creamy background color
• The fruit should yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Avoid peaches with green undertones or bruises
• A sweet fragrance indicates ripeness

For Apricots:

• Choose fruits with deep orange color
• They should be slightly soft but not mushy
• Avoid very firm apricots unless you plan to ripen them at home
• Look for smooth, unblemished skin

Storage Tips

Unripe fruits of both types can be ripened at room temperature. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Both fruits can also be frozen for longer storage—simply slice, remove the pit, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags.

Potential Concerns and Considerations

Pit Safety

The pits of both apricots and peaches contain amygdalin, a compound that can convert to cyanide when digested. While accidentally swallowing a whole pit is generally not dangerous (it will pass through your system), crushing and eating the inner kernel can be harmful. Always remove pits before eating or cooking with these fruits.

Allergies

Some people may experience allergic reactions to peaches or apricots, particularly those with birch pollen allergies due to cross-reactivity. Symptoms can include itching or swelling of the mouth, throat, or lips. If you experience allergic symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider.

Sugar Content

While the natural sugars in these fruits come packaged with fiber and nutrients, people managing blood sugar levels should be mindful of portion sizes. Apricots, with their lower sugar content per fruit, may be a better choice for those monitoring carbohydrate intake.

Cost and Availability

During peak season, both apricots and peaches are relatively affordable. Peaches are generally more widely cultivated in the United States, particularly in Georgia, California, and South Carolina, which can make them more readily available and sometimes less expensive.

Apricots have a shorter growing season and can be more delicate to transport, which may result in higher prices or more limited availability in some regions. California produces the majority of apricots in the United States.

Environmental and Growing Considerations

Both fruits require similar growing conditions, preferring temperate climates with cold winters for proper dormancy and warm summers for fruit development. They require cross-pollination from bees and other pollinators.

When possible, choosing organic options can reduce pesticide exposure, as both fruits typically appear on lists of produce with higher pesticide residues when conventionally grown. Thoroughly washing all produce, regardless of growing method, is always recommended.

Which Fruit Should You Choose?

The choice between apricots and peaches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use:

Choose peaches if you:

• Prefer sweeter, juicier fruits
• Want a larger fruit that’s more filling
• Are making dishes where sweetness is desired
• Enjoy fruits with higher water content

Choose apricots if you:

• Prefer a more complex, tart flavor
• Want portion-controlled snacks
• Seek higher concentrations of certain nutrients like vitamin A
• Are looking for lower-calorie options per piece
• Enjoy dried fruits (dried apricots are especially popular)

Conclusion

Apricots and peaches are both nutritious, delicious stone fruits that deserve a place in a healthy diet. While peaches offer sweetness and juiciness in a larger package, apricots provide a complex tart-sweet flavor in a compact, nutrient-dense form.

Both fruits deliver impressive amounts of vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and beneficial antioxidants. They’re versatile ingredients that work equally well in sweet and savory applications, from fresh snacking to baking to preserving.

Rather than choosing one over the other, consider enjoying both fruits during their summer season to take advantage of their unique flavors and nutritional profiles. Whether you bite into a juicy peach or savor the complex taste of an apricot, you’re making a healthy choice that supports your overall wellbeing.

Remember to select ripe fruits, store them properly, and always wash them thoroughly before consumption. With proper selection and preparation, both apricots and peaches can provide delicious nutrition throughout the summer months and beyond when preserved or dried.

Sources:

• USDA FoodData Central – Nutritional Database
• PubMed Central – National Institutes of Health
• ScienceDirect – Scientific Research Database
• USDA Agricultural Research Service