Dried Apricot

What Are Dried Apricots?

Dried apricots are obtained by drying fresh apricots (Prunus armeniaca) in the sun or in a controlled environment. In Turkey, especially Malatya is known worldwide for apricot growing and drying.

During drying, the fruit shrinks, its color shifts from orange to a dark amber tone, and its taste settles into a sour-sweet balance. Those treated with sulfur are more vividly orange, while unsulfured ones are darker in color.

Nutritional Values of Dried Apricots

Dried apricots are a dried fruit containing approximately 241 kcal of energy, 62.6 g carbohydrate, and 7.3 g fiber per 100 grams. They are one of the richest sources of potassium among dried fruits.

What Are the Benefits of Dried Apricots?

With their high fiber and potassium content, dried apricots are among the dried fruits that stand out as part of a balanced diet. There are studies examining the role of potassium in overall nutrition.

This information is general; dried apricots are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Since their sugar density is high, a daily handful (approximately 30 g, 5-6 pieces) is recommended.

How to Choose Dried Apricots?

Quality dried apricots should have a soft-supple texture and a homogeneous grain size.

• Overly hardened and dried grains may be old.
• Unsulfured dried apricots are darker brown; this is a natural occurrence.
• If there is a mold spot or sticky clumping, they should not be consumed.

How to Store Dried Apricots?

Dried apricots keep their freshness for 6-12 months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Since they carry a risk of becoming sticky and moldy in humid environments, they should be stored in a dry cupboard.

Using Dried Apricots in the Kitchen

Dried apricots are used on their own as a snack, stuffed with walnut or almond instead of the pit, in dessert and compote recipes, and as a sweet-savory balance element in meat dishes such as lamb and chicken.

How to Make Dried Apricot Dessert?

Dried apricots are lightly boiled and softened in water or syrup, then filled with clotted cream or crushed walnuts and served; it is a traditional Turkish dessert.

How to Make Dried Apricot Compote?

Dried apricots are soaked in water overnight to soften, then boiled with a little sugar over low heat for 15-20 minutes to obtain a compote.

Which Recipes Use Dried Apricots?

Dried apricot dessert with clotted cream, dried apricot compote, lamb stew, pilaf with dried apricots, and muesli mixes are the best-known uses of dried apricots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dried apricots should be eaten per day?

Due to their sugar density, a daily handful (approximately 30 g, 5-6 pieces) is considered a balanced portion.

Are sulfured dried apricots harmful?

Sulfur dioxide is an approved additive used in foods to preserve color and shelf life; however, people with sulfur sensitivity are recommended to prefer unsulfured alternatives.

Do dried apricots and fresh apricots differ in nutritional value?

Due to water loss during drying, nutrient and sugar density increase; the same weight of dried apricots contains far more calories, fiber, and potassium than fresh apricots.

Why can dried apricots turn dark in color?

Apricots dried without sulfur turn dark brown due to natural oxidation; this is a natural process difference, not a sign of poor quality.

Are dried apricots good for digestion?

Because their fiber content is high, there are observations that they may contribute to digestive regularity as part of a balanced diet; however, this is not a treatment claim.