Apricot Safety Inspection

Apricots are often treated with sulfur dioxide to maintain a bright orange color and extend shelf life. 1. The Color Purity Test: Natural dried apricots are dark brown to dull orange. Artificially sulfur-treated ones are bright, vibrant, neon orange. The brighter the orange, the higher the sulfur content. 2. The Aroma Test: Smell the fruit. Natural apricots have a fruity, sweet aroma. Sulfur-treated ones have a faint chemical smell resembling burnt matchsticks. 3. The Texture Test: Natural dried apricots are slightly firm and chewy. Chemically treated ones may feel unnaturally mushy or sticky.