Sulphured dried apricots form one of the highly coveted dried fruits around the world. They have particular applications in the retail sector, private labels, and food manufacturers. With rising demands in Europe, the Middle East, the Asian continent, and North America, the end consumer has become more concerned about the processing of these items in terms of quality expectations and the reasons behind the dominance of Turkish suppliers.
This ultimate guide covers all the information you may need to know about sulphured dried apricots from their growth to their export by the top suppliers in Turkey. This article will give you all the necessary information about Dried Apricots Production and more if you are a buyer or even a manufacturer.
What Is Sulphured Dried Apricot
Sulphured dried apricots involve apricots that have gone through a sulphuring process utilizing Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) prior to drying. Sulphuring helps in retaining the vibrant orange-yellow color of the apricots. Sulphured apricots remain in a form that keeps them aesthetically pleasing for sale in retail packaging. They can also be used in industry.
Key characteristics:
• Vivid Orange color (preferred by the international retail market)
• Soft & Flexible Texture
• Improved flavor retention
• 12-18 months of storage life under SO₂ protection
• Uniform sizing and moisture levels
Sulphured dried apricots have the largest market share compared to natural sun-dried apricots due to the above reasons.
Why Sulphuring Is Essential in the Dried Apricots Industry
The sulphuring process guarantees:
1. Color Conservation
Sulphur dioxide keeps apricots from turning a brownish color. Apricots occur naturally in that manner. Markets in Europe, North America, and others prefer apricots to look fresh-that is, orange in color.
2. Microbial Stability
SO₂ prevents the growth of bacteria & mold. This ensures the end product will always be safe.
3. Extended Shelf Life
Sulphured dried apricots have a long storage life of more than one year.
4. Protection During Large-Scale Transport
In the case of international shipments, sulphured fruits can support challenging climatic conditions. Process of Producing the Best Sulphured-Dried Apricots
The Process of the Production of the dried apricots includes a number of steps to ensure the quality of the dried apricots.
Below is the industry-standard production technique adopted by top Turkish manufacturers:
1. Orchard selection & Harvest
Quality apricots grow in favorable conditions. World leaders in apricot production are Türkiye, specifically the Malatya region, due to the following reasons:
• High altitude
• Fertile volcanic soil
• Low humidity
• Hot days & cool nights
Apricot farmers harvest apricots when they are ripe to obtain the best sweetness, size, and internal texture.
2. Washing & Sorting
Apricots are cleaned before being packed according to the following criteria:
• Color
• Physical defects
This guarantees that all the high-grade fruits that reach processing qualify to be of the
3. Cutting & Pitting
Apricots are divided into two halves. The kernel is removed. Industrial-grade cutting machines are used to ensure equal sizing. This is vital for export purposes.
4. Controlled Sulphuring Process
This is the defining process of sulphured dried apricots.
Apricots are packed in sealed sulphur chambers where the gas SO₂ in definite concentrations is applied. This:
• Corrects the bright color
• Store in
• Prevents microbial growth
• Improved long-term stability
Normally international market limits dictate that the sulphur dioxide concentration must be below 2000 ppm.
5. Natural Sun Drying or Modern Drying Tunnels
After sulphuring, apricots are dried:
Sun drying (Traditional Method)
Apricots can be dried in the sun on cleaned drying sheets for a period of 3-7 days. These steps are eco-friendly and less expensive.
Industrial drying tunnels (modern method)
Used in conditions of low sunlight or in high humidity. Facilitates:
• Controlled
• Constant Temperature
• Increased drying speeds
• Predictable moisture levels
6. Calibration by Size
After drying apricots can be classified into different commercial quantities including:
•Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Customers can choose the sizes to suit their markets.
7. Moisture
Moisture content is adjusted to industry standards of 18 to 24% for:
• Soft texture
• Clean bite
• Extended Shelf Life
8. Metal Detection & Food Safety Controls
Factories that have BRC, HACCP, ISO 22000 certifications
• X-ray machines
• Metal detectors
• Microbi
9. Packaging & Export Preparation
Sulphured dried apricots are packed in:
• 5 kg or 12.5 kg cartons (for wholesale clients)
• Retail Packs (200g, 250g, 500g, 1kg)
Products are packed in cold storage warehouses before being distributed worldwide.
Advantages of Sulphured Dried Apricots in the Global Food Market
1. Attractive Appearance for Retail
The vibrant orange color definitely enhances the shelf appeal and customer confidence.
2. Trustworthy Ingredient Source for Manufacturers
Industries that utilise sulphured dried apricots are:
• Bakery items
• BREAKFAST C
• Snacks & Gran
• Chocolate coatings
• Energy bars
3. Longer Shelf Life for Global Commerce
“The SO₂ protection allows for quality assurance over long-distance logistics,” Enterprise stated
4. Versatile Flavor and Texture
Soft, sweet, and pleasing to the eye—perfect for retail or industrial purchasers.
Why Turkey Leads the World in Sulphured Dried Apricots
Over 80% of the worldwide dried apricot export market comes from Turkey, specifically from the province of Malatya, known worldwide as the “Apricot Capital.”
Critical Strengths Include:
• Favorable Climate
Predictable sunlight exposure and humidity conditions promote optimal drying.
• Large Production Capacity
Turkey provides a steady supply all year.
• Sound Export Infrastructure
Producers meet international certifications:
BRC, HACCP, ISO 22000
• Cost-Effective Pricing
Economies of scale allow for competitive export prices.
• Superior Product Consistency
Uniform color, size, moisture content, sweetness.
Quality Specifications for Export Buyers
Typical specifications include:
• Moisture
• SO₂ content: < 2000 ppm (or lower per destination
• Size: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
• Colour: Orange to light amber
• Textures: Soft &
• Packaging: Bulk ranging from
Customers may order customized packaging, metal detection standards, private labels, or organic-sulphured combinations.
Choosing the Right Supplier of Sulphured Dried Apricots
1. Check Factory Certifications
Look for: ISO HACCP BRC
2. Traceability Confirmation
A quality supplier will offer traceability from the orchard to the packing
3. Request Samples
Assess color, texture, moisture content, size, and smell.
4. Review Price Stability
Leading suppliers have long-term pricing contracts.
5. Assessing Supply Capacity
Make Sure They Can Handle Your Volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can sulphured dried apricots be eaten?
Yes. The SO₂ content satisfies international food safety standards.
2. Why are sulphured dried apricots orange in colour?
The sulphuring processprevents natural browning.
3. For how long will the product last?
Usually 12 to 18 months in cool storage.
4. Which country makes the finest sulphured dried apricots?
Turkey, particularly Malatya, leads the world
5. Can sulphured apricots be used in industrial production?
Definitely. They have applications in bakery products, confectioneries, and breakfast cereals.