Dried Apricots: Dark or Yellow – What’s the Difference?
On store shelves, dried apricots can look very different. Some are bright yellow and eye-catching, while others are darker, brownish, sometimes even matte.
🤔 This raises a natural question – are these different varieties, or simply different processing methods? And is one actually healthier than the other?
👉 Clear and detailed explanation – keep reading
Where do dried apricots come from?
Dried apricots are one of the oldest ways of preserving fruit. They were made thousands of years ago in regions with hot climates – Central Asia, Persia, and the Caucasus.
Back then, apricots were simply dried in the sun, without any chemical treatment. This is how dark dried apricots came to be – the same kind we know today.
Bright yellow dried apricots are a relatively modern invention
Why are some dried apricots yellow?
The yellow color comes from treatment with sulfur dioxide (SO₂). This food additive is used to preserve color and extend shelf life.
This treatment helps to:
- maintain a bright, attractive appearance
- prevent natural darkening
- simplify storage and transportation
💡 That’s why yellow dried apricots often look uniform even after long storage.
What about dark dried apricots?
Dark dried apricots are not treated with sulfur dioxide. Their darker color develops naturally due to sugar oxidation during the drying process.
This is a completely natural process and does not indicate poor quality.
• richer in flavor
• softer in texture
• free from preservatives
That’s why many people consciously choose dark dried apricots as a more natural alternative.
How safe is sulfur dioxide?
Sulfur dioxide is officially approved and considered safe in regulated amounts, but there are some nuances.
⚠️ For sensitive individuals, it may cause:
- allergic reactions
- stomach irritation
- headaches
In addition, this treatment can reduce the content of certain vitamins, especially vitamin B1.
So what’s the real difference?
In reality, the difference between light and dark dried apricots is largely a marketing solution.
Sulfur dioxide treatment makes the product look more appealing, last longer, and sell better. That’s convenient for trade – but not always beneficial for the consumer.
Dark dried apricots are more honest in this sense – they look exactly like naturally dried fruit should.
👉 If appearance and long shelf life matter – light apricots are usually chosen
👉 If naturalness and minimal processing matter – dark dried apricots are the more conscious choice