Organic Apricots Unsulphured 250g/500g

These certified organic apricots from Just Natural Organic are the unsulphured variety — naturally dried without sulphur dioxide (E220), which gives them their characteristic dark brown colour rather than the vivid orange of conventional dried apricots. The absence of sulphur preservatives is the defining quality choice here: what you gain is a truer, deeper apricot flavour and a product genuinely free from artificial additives.

Unsulphured apricots are rich in beta-carotene (pro-Vitamin A), potassium, iron, and dietary fibre. The drying process concentrates these nutrients significantly. They are particularly valued by those sensitive to sulphites, which are listed as a major allergen in the UK and can trigger reactions in susceptible individuals.

Certified organic by the Soil Association. Plastic-free, home-compostable packaging. Available in 250g and 500g.

Eat straight from the bag. Chop and add to porridge, muesli, or granola. Use in Moroccan-style dishes with lamb, chickpeas, or couscous. Add to Christmas cake, fruit cake, or flapjacks. Simmer with orange juice and cardamom for a compote. Blend into jam or chutney. Soak overnight and blend into a smooth apricot sauce for desserts.

Recipe idea — Moroccan Chickpea & Apricot Stew: Fry 1 onion with 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, ½ tsp turmeric, and ½ tsp cinnamon in olive oil. Add 1 tin chickpeas (drained), 400ml vegetable stock, 100g roughly chopped unsulphured apricots, and 200g chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over couscous with toasted almonds and fresh parsley. The apricots add sweetness and a fruity depth that balances the warm spices beautifully.

Key nutrients: Very high in beta-carotene (pro-Vitamin A), potassium (1160mg/100g — 58% NRV), iron (2.7mg/100g — 19% NRV), dietary fibre (7.3g/100g), and vitamin C. No added sulphur dioxide or preservatives.

Ingredients: Organic Unsulphured Dried Apricots.

FAQs

Why are these brown and not orange?
The bright orange colour of conventional dried apricots comes from sulphur dioxide (E220), a preservative that prevents oxidation and browning. Unsulphured apricots oxidise naturally during drying, turning a deep caramel-brown. The brown colour is a quality indicator — it means no sulphur preservatives have been used. The flavour is actually more concentrated and apricot-forward without the slight chemical note that sulphur dioxide can add.

Who should choose unsulphured apricots?
Anyone sensitive to sulphites (E220 is a declared major allergen in the UK), those following a strictly additive-free diet, and anyone who simply prefers to avoid artificial preservatives. Sulphite sensitivity can cause symptoms including headaches, breathing difficulties, and skin reactions in susceptible individuals.

Are these suitable for baking?
Yes — unsulphured apricots work excellently in fruit cakes, flapjacks, Moroccan tagines, and compotes. Their deeper colour will be less visually striking than orange sulphured apricots in pale baked goods, but the flavour is superior.

Are these gluten-free?
Yes — dried apricots are naturally gluten-free. Packed in a facility handling gluten-containing grains.

How should I store them?
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They may dry out over time — soaking in warm water for 10–15 minutes will rehydrate them if needed.