DRIED APRICOTS

Quality bulk dried apricots for wholesalers, distributors, suppliers and importers.

Dried apricots are one of the oldest and most culturally significant dried fruits, cherished for their sweet flavor, nutritional richness, and long shelf life. Their production dates back centuries, with evidence of their consumption across ancient trade routes and within empires that spanned Central Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

Processing & Appearance

The method of drying apricots varies depending on the size and end use of the fruit:

• Smaller apricot varieties are typically dried whole, including the kernel during the initial drying stage, which is later removed.

• Larger apricots are usually halved and pitted before drying, resulting in a more uniform and visually appealing product.

To preserve color, deter insect activity, and extend shelf life, many apricots undergo treatment with sulphur dioxide (SO₂). This process helps the fruit retain its vibrant orange hue and softer texture. These “sulphured apricots” are widely preferred in retail markets due to their bright color and longer shelf life.

In contrast, organic or unsulphured dried apricots are:

• Darker in appearance, ranging from deep amber to brown,

• Slightly coarser in texture, with a more intense, caramel-like flavor,

• Often favored in health-conscious or natural product sectors where clean labeling is essential.

Historical Significance

Long before modern global trade, dried apricots were a staple in the diets and economies of the Ottoman Empire, the Persian Empire, and the Russian Empire. They were traded along ancient Silk Road routes, prized not only for their sweet taste but also for their durability and ability to be stored without refrigeration.

In the 20th century, California emerged as a major apricot-growing region and briefly held the position of the largest global producer of dried apricots. However, over time, Turkey overtook California as the dominant force in the global market.

Today, Turkey accounts for more than 80% of global dried apricot exports, with the majority of production concentrated in the Malatya Province—a region internationally recognized for its ideal growing conditions and apricot quality. Malatya alone contributes approximately 95% of Turkey’s dried apricot output, making it the epicenter of global supply.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Dried apricots are a powerhouse of nutrients and a staple of the dried fruit category, prized for their rich concentration of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. As a result of the dehydration process, dried apricots contain significantly less water than fresh fruit, resulting in a more compact form of nutrition and energy.

They are consumed with their skin intact, making them an excellent source of natural dietary fiber, which:

• Promotes healthy digestion,

• Prevents constipation,

• Supports blood sugar control,

• Assists in lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

Dried apricots are particularly rich in:

• Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene): Essential for vision, immune health, and skin regeneration. A powerful antioxidant that protects the heart, arteries, and body cells from oxidative stress and premature aging.

• Beta-carotene: A plant pigment with antioxidant effects that the body converts into vitamin A.

• Vitamin C: Supports immune function, accelerates wound healing, and contributes to collagen synthesis for healthy skin.

• Vitamin E: Acts as a potent antioxidant and protects cells from damage by free radicals.

• B-complex vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B6): Help convert food into energy and support nervous system function.

• Potassium: A key mineral for maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and proper muscle function.

Naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free, dried apricots are a healthy snack option and an excellent ingredient for cereal blends, baking, trail mixes, and food manufacturing applications.

GRADES

We supply two distinct grades of dried apricots:

• Sulphured: Treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve the fruit’s vibrant orange color and extend shelf life. Preferred in retail markets due to their appealing appearance and mild flavor.

• Unsulphured: Dried naturally without preservatives, resulting in a darker color and deeper, more intense flavor. Ideal for consumers seeking additive-free, natural products.

PACKAGING FORMATS

Dried apricots are available in the following bulk packaging options, tailored to meet industrial and wholesale distribution needs:

• 5 kg cartons

• 10 kg cartons

• 12.5 kg cartons

Each carton is packed according to strict hygiene and quality assurance standards, ensuring product freshness and consistency throughout transit and storage.

FARMING METHODS

We offer dried apricots sourced from two farming systems:

• Conventional: Cultivated using traditional agricultural practices with controlled input use.

• Organic: Certified organic production with no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or preservatives. Grown in accordance with organic farming regulations for sustainability and environmental health.

HARVEST PERIOD

The harvesting season for apricots typically begins in early July and concludes by late August. Timing may vary slightly based on regional climate conditions. Fresh fruit is handpicked at peak ripeness to ensure optimal flavor, then sun-dried or mechanically dried depending on the grade and market requirements.

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES

The world’s leading producers of dried apricots include:

• Turkey: By far the largest producer and exporter, especially from the Malatya region, known for its exceptional fruit quality and consistent sizing.

• Iran: Offers a wide range of varieties, particularly unsulphured sun-dried apricots.

• Uzbekistan: Supplies naturally dried apricots with a rich flavor profile, especially popular in health food markets.

• China: Known for competitive pricing and increasing volumes of sulphured apricots.

• Afghanistan: Produces smaller, intensely flavored sun-dried apricots through traditional methods.