The dried apricots are popular throughout the world as a snack and in most recipes. Not all dried apricots, however, are alike. There are sulphured dried apricots and unsulphured dried apricots, and they are different in color, taste, shelf life as well as in health. It is a common question as an Sun-Dried Apricots exporter to be asked which is the better. This is a question of what you care more about; looks, stability on shelves, or nature. Let’s explore both in detail.
Why Sulphur is added to Apricots
Sulphur dioxide is normally applied in the processing of apricot. This is mainly done to preserve the bright orange color of the fruit. The conventional dried apricots are brown by nature and in the absence of sulphur, they oxidize. The growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast is also slowing down with sulphur and this means that sulphured dried apricots take a longer time to deteriorate in storage. It goes as far as to make the drying process quicker and more effective to manufacturers.
It is due to these causes that the ordinary dried apricots are generally sulphured. It is the norm in most of the export markets since consumers like bright color and extended shelf life. But there is nothing good about sulphur, except that it suits all.
Sulphured Apricots and the health
To the majority of people, the sulphured dried apricots are safe to consume within controlled standards. Sulphur dioxide is regulated by international food safety legislation into a maximum level in dried fruit. As an illustration, the limit is approximately 2000 ppm in Europe and somewhat higher in other locations. When dry apricots are made in the right manner, then they remain well within these limits.
Sulphite sensitive persons can however have problems. In individuals who are intolerant, Sulphur dioxide may cause arousal of breathing problems, nausea, or headaches. Particular attention should be paid to the asthma patients. Animal research has also indicated that extremely high concentrations of sulphur dioxide may result in health issues, but the concentrations of sulphur dioxide applied in commercial apricots are typically much lower.
Diversity in Taste and Look
The most visible distinction is the manner of appearance of the two types. Sulphured apricots are golden and bright thus many individuals relate this to freshness and quality. Unsulphured apricots, however, go a dark brown color. This dark appearance is entirely natural yet is occasionally mistaken with poor quality by the unknowledgeable persons.
Sulphured dried apricots are of a mild and uniform taste. Others do perceive the slightest after taste due to the sulphur. Unsulphured apricots it are richer and caramel-like and have a more intense fruity taste. Their aroma is improved as a result of natural oxidation during drying.
Texture also differs. Sulphured apricots are normally more tender and juicier whereas unsulphured apricots may be a bit harder or chewier. They both may be tasty according to individual taste.
Shelf Life and Storage
Sulphured dried apricots are evidently the winner as far as shelf life is concerned. This is due to the preservative effect of sulphur dioxide; therefore, they remain longer and can be exported to every part of the world without significant problems. Unsulphured apricots are required to be handled with more caution. To preserve the quality, these must be kept in cool and dry environments and consumed within a shorter time.
This is among the reasons why the apricots that are sulphured dominate big export markets. Their stability is more convenient to the importers, retailers and end consumers. Unsulphured apricots are somewhat niche and they are on the rise with health-conscious consumers.
The Purpose of Diced Dried Apricots
Besides whole fruit, apricots are served diced. Diced dried apricots are used in bakeries, cereals, snacks, and confectionery products. Appearance and consistency are more important in case of diced products.
The sulphured diced apricots have the same color and texture, and this has made them ideal in the food manufacturing business where a neat and bright appearance is desired. Although natural and delicious, unsulphured diced apricots can be darker and less homogenous. They continue to be very important in natural and organic product lines.
The unsulphured diced apricots are cutting their own niche as the demand of clean-label products increases.
Turkish Dried apricots: World Standard
The Malatya region of Turkey produces and exports apricots more than any other country in the world. The Turkish Dried Apricots are seen as the reference to quality. The climate and soil produce naturally sweet and tasting apricots.
They are both sulphured and unsulphured varieties that are produced in Turkey. Traditional markets would be willing to have sulphured apricots because of their golden color whereas health-conscious markets such as Europe and US are more demanding natural and organic unsulphured apricots.
Being Turkish exporters, we ensure that the customers all over the world have both the choices to choose between the bright golden appearance of traditional dried apricots or the natural richness of unsulphured ones.
The Sulphured vs. Unsulphured Debate
So, which is better? That is determined by your needs.
Sulphured dried apricots will be the most suitable in case you want bright color, soft texture and longer shelf life. They can be used to snack, cook and bake on a daily basis and they can be shipped over a long distance.
Unsulphured dried apricots are more ideal in case you would prefer an all-natural product that does not contain any additives. They are more dark, tastier and can be consumed by those who have a sulphite intolerance. The trade-off is that it will have a shorter shelf life and also a less homogeneous appearance.
In the case of businesses, it can be a matter of the target market. Adjustable retail and food processing businesses are biased towards sulphured apricots. Premium, natural and organic brands pay more attention to the unsulphured ones.
Our Role as an Exporter
At malatyaapricot.com, we offer sulphured as well as unsulphured dried apricots in order to satisfy the requirements of various markets. Being a reliable Exporter of Sun-Dried Apricots, we offer traditional dried apricots to our clients who also attach importance to shelf life and golden color. Meanwhile, we also ship natural and organic dried apricots to individuals who prefer no additives in their products.
Our other products include Diced Dried Apricots available in various sizes that can be used in bakeries, cereals and snacks. Being one of the top providers of the Turkish Dried Apricots, we ensure that products are tested in terms of quality and safety such as sulphur, moisture and storage. Contact us now https://malatyaapricot.com/
Read – From Sun to Snack: The Journey of Unsulphured Dried Apricots