Apricot Safety Inspection

Dried apricots are almost universally treated with sulfur dioxide to maintain their bright orange color. Naturally dried apricots turn dark brown and look less "appealing" but are chemical-free. 1. The Color Check (Sulfur Detection): Look at the color. If the dried apricot is bright, vibrant, "neon" orange, it has been heavily treated with sulfur dioxide. Naturally dried apricots are dark brown, chewy, and less "inflated" in appearance. 2. The Smell Test: Take a deep sniff of the package. If you detect a sharp, "burning match," or acidic chemical smell, high levels of sulfur are present. Natural dried apricots smell like honey and concentrated fruit. 3. The Water Rehydration: Soak a few dried apricots in warm water for 20 minutes. If the water turns bright orange or yellow, artificial coloring has been added to make them look even more vibrant. 4. The Texture and Stickiness: Naturally dried apricots are slightly tacky and firm. If they feel unnaturally "soft" or "spongy" while being vibrant orange, they have been chemically treated to retain moisture.