A Sweet Summer Spotlight on Apricots and Farmers' Markets

Celebrate sweet summer apricots and farmers markets with vibrant flavor, local nutrition, and seasonal simplicity. ​ ​ ​ ​

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Written by: Emily Stefforia and Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN

Aterra Nutrition is excited to highlight summer’s seasonal stars, and this month, we’re taking a closer look at apricots. This vibrant, sweet fruit brings more than flavor to the table. With powerful nutrients like vitamin A and antioxidants that support skin and eye health, it’s a shining example of what sustainable nutrition looks like in action.

We define sustainable nutrition as an approach to eating that supports long-term wellness, not just for individuals, but for communities and the planet. It means enjoying food in a way that’s nourishing, non-restrictive, and doable for the long haul. And when we pair that with seasonal, local food, we reinforce our commitment to agriculture, environmental care, and reducing food waste.

Sweet summer apricots

Sweet summer apricots are in season in Maryland through July, making now the perfect time to enjoy their juicy flavor. Whether you’re growing them yourself, visiting the New Market Farmers Market, or sourcing from a local CSA, these Rosaceae gems (think peach cousins) offer the perfect sweet-tart bite. Savor them fresh, grilled, in salads, or preserved into a golden jam, summertime simplicity at its sweetest.

But these sunny fruits offer much more than flavor; they’re nutritional powerhouses.

How apricots nourish the body

Apricots are rich in:

• Vitamin A, particularly in the form of beta-carotene, which gives them their signature orange hue

• Vitamin C and E support immune health and cell protection

• Potassium helps regulate blood pressure

  
  

Let’s zero in on that vitamin A benefit because your next farmers market apricot haul isn’t just delicious, it’s skin-deep nourishment. Apricots, bursting with sweet summer flavor, contain beta-carotene, a powerful pigment your body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient supports healthy vision, strengthens immune function, and boosts skin integrity. Together with other carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-carotene helps shield your retinas from oxidative damage and enhances your skin’s resilience to environmental stressors like sun exposure and pollution.

Local farmers' markets

If you’ve been following this series, you know that gardening is one way we connect with sustainable nutrition at the local level. The New Market Community Garden is a shining example of how community-based growing ties health, environment, and food access together.

Even if sweet apricots aren’t growing in your garden plot, you can still enjoy their seasonal harvest from mid-to-late summer, especially by visiting your local farmers market for the freshest, most flavorful picks. Supporting local growers not only strengthens our community, it ensures the freshest, most nutrient-rich produce ends up on your plate.

Looking for ways to add apricots to your meals or want to learn how vitamin A supports whole-body wellness? Reach out to us at Aterra Nutrition, we’d love to talk more about the seasonal foods you’re enjoying and how to make them part of your sustainable lifestyle.

Let’s keep nourishing ourselves, one bite at a time.

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Disclaimer: While I am a registered dietitian, the information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only and may not be tailored to your specific health needs. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.