Dried Apricots | Unsweetened

Dried Apricots.

Dried apricots are soft and chewy with a rich, honeyed sweetness balanced by a pleasant tartness, a flavor profile significantly deeper than fresh apricot. Their natural sugars concentrate during drying to produce an almost jam-like intensity. Because Gerbs apricots contain no sulfur dioxide, they may appear darker orange-brown than commercial sulfured varieties, a visual difference that reflects the fruit’s natural oxidation, not lower quality. The texture is pliable and chewy, not sticky or hard.

Store Gerbs Dried Apricots in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Unopened, they keep for up to 12 months. After opening, consume within 3-4 months for best flavor and texture. Dried apricots can become harder in cold environments and softer in warm ones, both are normal. In very warm climates, refrigeration after opening is recommended. The darker color of Gerbs apricots (no sulfur dioxide) is natural and does not affect shelf life or quality.

When you’re shopping for dried apricots with food allergies in mind, you deserve more than a label assurance, you deserve to know exactly how and where your food was made. Gerbs Unsweetened Dried Apricots are processed in our family-owned, dedicated allergen-free facility in Johnston, Rhode Island. Our facility has never handled gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, crustaceans, mollusks, milk, eggs, sesame, or any of the 14 major allergens. No shared lines. Every piece is packed by our own trained staff on dedicated kosher-certified equipment.

Dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are a centuries-old preserved food, prized across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean for their concentrated sweetness and deep orange color. Unlike commercially sulfured apricots, which use sulfur dioxide to maintain a bright orange hue, Gerbs apricots contain no sulfur dioxide whatsoever. That means they may appear darker in color (a natural consequence of oxidation during drying), but they are free from that common preservative that affects many people with sensitivities.

The natural sugars in apricots concentrate beautifully during drying, producing a rich, honeyed sweetness with a pleasant tartness. No added sweeteners are needed, the fruit provides it all on its own.

Dried apricots are the preserved fruit of the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca), a stone fruit believed to have originated in China or Central Asia and cultivated for over 3,000 years. Fresh apricots are highly perishable, making drying one of the primary preservation methods used since antiquity across the Silk Road trade routes. The drying process concentrates the fruit’s natural sugars, vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene), and potassium. Gerbs Dried Apricots contain no sulfur dioxide, a preservative commonly used to maintain the bright orange color of commercial apricots. The absence of sulfur dioxide means the fruit may appear darker than conventionally processed apricots, reflecting its natural oxidation during drying. No sweeteners are added.

Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)

USDA FoodData Central data shows dried apricots providing approximately 1009 IU of vitamin A per 1 oz (28g) serving, representing roughly 34% of the Daily Value. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient the body cannot produce on its own, which is why dietary sources are important.

Potassium

A 1 oz serving of dried apricots provides approximately 378 mg of potassium, among the highest of common dried fruits.

Iron

Dried apricots contain approximately 1.4 mg of iron per ounce, roughly 8% of the Daily Value for adult men and 6% for adult women. While the iron in plant foods (non-heme iron) is less readily absorbed than animal-source iron, pairing apricots with vitamin C-containing foods enhances absorption.

Dietary Fiber

A 1 oz serving provides approximately 2g of dietary fiber.

Plant Compounds

Beyond beta-carotene, dried apricots contain lutein, zeaxanthin, and various phenolic compounds. Their deep orange color is a visual indicator of carotenoid density. No sulfur dioxide is used in Gerbs apricots, meaning the product’s color may differ from commercial sulfured varieties, a natural, not negative, distinction. As with all foods, individual results may vary. Gerbs makes no medical claims.

Straight Snacking

Dried apricots are among the most satisfying single-ingredient snacks in the dried fruit category, rich, chewy, and sweet with enough tartness to keep each bite interesting. Eat them straight from the bag as a mid-afternoon snack or pack alongside other allergen-free snacks. Each ounce has 34% of the Daily Value for vitamin A.

Savory Cooking (Moroccan and Middle Eastern Style)

Dried apricots are a traditional ingredient in Moroccan tagines, Persian rice dishes (polo), and Middle Eastern lamb preparations. They add a sweet-tart counterpoint to savory meats and spices, particularly compatible with warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger. Chop and add to braised dishes, grain pilafs, or stuffings for whole-roasted dishes.

Cheese Boards

Dried apricots are a cheese board staple, pairing particularly well with aged manchego, goat cheese, and brie. Their sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture contrast with the richness of soft and aged cheeses. Arrange whole pieces on the board, they are visually appealing and easy to eat as a two-bite accompaniment to cheese and crackers.

Baking

Chop dried apricots and fold into scone dough, quick breads, and granola bars. Their dense, chewy texture holds up through baking, and their flavor concentrates further with heat. Apricot-almond combinations are classic, but Gerbs apricots are tree-nut-free, pair instead with sunflower seeds for a similar textural effect.

Trail Mix

Dried apricots are a trail mix anchor, substantial in size and satisfying to chew, with 378mg of potassium per oz. Combine with raisins, dried cherries, and sunflower seeds for an allergen-free trail mix appropriate for all ages.