Sweet Dried Apricots
Amit Sharma
| 03-04-2025
· Food Team
Dried apricots are a delicious and nutritious snack that we often find in stores, but did you know that making them at home is easy and rewarding? By drying apricots ourselves, we can control their sweetness, texture, and whether or not we use preservatives.
Plus, homemade dried apricots are free from unnecessary additives, making them a healthier choice.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the entire process—from selecting fresh apricots to drying them using different methods. Let’s get started!
What Are Dried Apricots?
Dried apricots are made by removing the moisture from fresh apricots while preserving their natural sweetness. The drying process enhances their flavor and allows them to be stored for months without spoiling.
There are two main types of dried apricots:
1. Sulfur-treated dried apricots – These are bright orange in color and have a softer texture. Sulfur dioxide is used to prevent oxidation and maintain their color.
2. Natural sun-dried apricots – These are darker brown and have a more intense, caramel-like flavor. They are dried naturally without preservatives.
We can make both types at home, depending on our preference!
Ingredients and Tools
Before we begin, let's gather everything we need:
Ingredients:
· Fresh apricots (2 kg, about 4.4 lbs) – Choose ripe but firm apricots without bruises.
· Lemon juice (100 ml, about ½ cup) – Helps maintain color and adds a slight tangy flavor.
· Water (1 liter, about 4 cups) – For soaking apricots before drying.
· Sugar or honey (optional) – If we want sweeter dried apricots, we can use 2-3 tablespoons.
· Sulfur dioxide tablets (optional) – If we prefer bright orange apricots, we can use a sulfur treatment.
Tools:
- A slicer and cutting board
- A large bowl for soaking
- A drying rack or baking tray with parchment paper
- An oven (if using oven drying)
- A dehydrator (optional)
- A clean cloth or mesh cover (if sun drying)
Step 1: Preparing the Apricots
1. Wash the apricots thoroughly under running water.
2. Cut them in half and remove the pit. If we want smaller pieces, we can slice them into quarters.
3. If we prefer softer dried apricots, we can blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Preserving the Color (Optional but Recommended)
To prevent the apricots from turning too dark, we can soak them in a lemon water solution:
1. Mix 100 ml of lemon juice with 1 liter of water in a large bowl.
2. Place the apricots in the mixture and let them soak for 5–10 minutes.
3. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
If we want bright orange dried apricots like store-bought ones, we can use sulfur dioxide treatment. However, for a natural approach, lemon juice works well.
Step 3: Choosing a Drying Method
Now, we decide how we want to dry our apricots. Here are three effective methods:
Method 1: Sun Drying (Traditional and Natural)
1. Arrange the apricot halves skin-side down on a drying rack or tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Cover them with a thin cloth or mesh net to keep insects away.
3. Place the tray in direct sunlight for 3–5 days, bringing them indoors at night to avoid moisture.
4. Flip the apricots after 2 days for even drying.
5. Once they feel leathery but slightly soft, they are ready!
Method 2: Oven Drying (Fast and Reliable)
1. Preheat the oven to 60–70°C (140–160°F).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the apricots in a single layer.
3. Place the tray in the oven and keep the door slightly open to let moisture escape.
4. Bake for 6–12 hours, flipping the apricots every 2 hours for even drying.
5. When they are pliable but not sticky, they are done!
Method 3: Using a Dehydrator (Easiest and Most Efficient)
1. Arrange the apricots on dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t touch.
2. Set the temperature to 55–60°C (130–140°F).
3. Dry for 8–12 hours, checking for doneness every few hours.
4. Once the apricots are soft and leathery, they are ready to store!
Step 4: Storing the Dried Apricots
- Once our apricots are completely dried, it’s important to store them properly:
- Place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
- Store in a cool, dark place to prevent moisture from getting in.
- If stored at room temperature, they last 3–6 months.
- In the fridge, they can last up to a year.
- For long-term storage, we can freeze dried apricots for over a year without losing flavor!
How to Enjoy Homemade Dried Apricots
Now that we’ve made our own dried apricots, we can enjoy them in many ways:
- As a healthy snack on the go.
- Mixed into cereal or yogurt for a natural sweetness.
- Added to baking recipes like muffins and cakes.
- Cooked into compotes or sauces for extra flavor.
A Fun and Rewarding Experience
Making dried apricots at home is not only simple but also allows us to enjoy a natural, preservative-free snack. Whether we sun dry them for a traditional touch or use an oven for convenience, we get to control the process and flavor.
Now, Lykkers, it’s time to try it ourselves! Pick up some fresh apricots, follow these steps, and enjoy the rich taste of homemade dried apricots. Let us know how they turn out—happy drying!
Dried apricots - Dehydrated fruit - How to dry apricots
Video by robdude1969