If you are looking for pure, sun-ripened organic dried apricots without chemical preservatives, artificial colors, or added sugars, NOW Real Food® Organic Unsweetened & Unsulfured Dried Apricots deliver wholesome fruit just the way nature intended. Unlike conventional bright-orange supermarket dried fruit that relies on sulfur dioxide gas treatments, these apricots are ripened naturally on the branch, harvested at peak sweetness, and sun-dried until they achieve a deep, rich dark brown color and a dense, caramel-like flavor.
✓ 100% UnsulfuredNo sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$), no chemical bleaching, and no artificial preservatives.
✓ Zero Added SugarNaturally sweet fruit with 0 grams of added sugar or high-fructose syrups.
✓ Potassium & FiberProvides 465 mg of dietary potassium and 3 g of dietary fiber per 40 g serving.
✓ Peanut-Free PackagedPacked in a dedicated peanut-free facility for added allergy peace of mind.
Why Are Organic Unsulfured Apricots Dark Brown Instead of Bright Orange?
A common question first-time buyers ask is: “Why are these apricots brown and not bright orange like the ones in conventional grocery aisles?” The answer comes down to chemical preservation versus natural air drying.
Conventional dried apricots are treated with sulfur dioxide gas ($SO_2$) prior to drying. This synthetic preservative acts as a bleaching agent and enzyme inhibitor, artificially locking in the glowing orange color of fresh fruit. However, under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR §101.100), sulfites are recognized food additives capable of triggering severe respiratory distress and allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with asthma or sulfur sensitivities.
NOW Real Food® Organic Dried Apricots undergo zero sulfur treatment. When ripe apricots dry naturally under the warm sun, natural sugars caramelize and fruit enzymes oxidate gently, transforming the flesh into an earthy dark brown or amber color. This deep hue is your visual proof of authenticity: no sulfur fumes, no artificial cosmetic enhancers, and an intensely concentrated honey-apricot taste.
Scientific Note: According to clinical research evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 5–10% of individuals with asthma experience acute bronchospasm upon consuming foods treated with sulfites above 10 parts per million (ppm). Choosing certified organic, unsulfured apricots completely eliminates added industrial sulfite exposure.
NOW Foods Rigorous In-House Lab Testing & Contaminant Controls
At VitaNet®, we partner with manufacturers who back every claim with rigorous science. NOW Foods operates one of the most advanced private analytical and microbiological testing complexes in North America, performing more than 16,000 analytical tests and assays each month across incoming raw materials and finished lots.
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited Labs
NOW’s internal testing facilities hold independent ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), ensuring testing methodology matches top third-party forensic standards.
Heavy Metal Screening (ICP-MS)
Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), raw batches are analyzed down to parts-per-billion (ppb) thresholds to verify compliance with strict standards for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
Aflatoxin & Mold Verification
Tree fruits are naturally vulnerable to airborne molds during sun-drying. NOW screens raw lots via chromatography to ensure the product is free of mycotoxins, aflatoxins, salmonella, and pathogenic E. coli strains.
Pesticide & Sulfite Verification
Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography verify that no forbidden synthetic chemical residues, pesticides, or hidden sulfuring agents were introduced at any stage of harvest, drying, or transit.
Transparency is the cornerstone of trust. Below is the verified ingredient declaration and nutrition facts profile as labeled on NOW Foods item #5620.
Nutrition Facts
About 11 servings per container Serving size: 6 pieces (40 g)
Amount per serving
Calories90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0 g0%Saturated Fat 0 g0%Trans Fat 0 gCholesterol 0 mg0%Sodium 5 mg<1%Total Carbohydrate 25 g9%Dietary Fiber 3 g11%Total Sugars 21 gIncludes 0 g Added Sugars0%Protein 1 gVitamin D 0 mcg0%Calcium 22 mg2%Iron 1 mg6%Potassium 465 mg10%Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) 23 mcg RAE3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients Listing
Ingredients: Organic Dried Apricots.
Facility & Allergen Disclosures
Packaged in a peanut-free facility that processes tree nuts. Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI). Certified Kosher (Triangle K). Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
Nutritional Reference & Data Verification
Nutrient figures correspond to laboratory analytical records verified by NOW Foods and cross-referenced with the USDA FoodData Central Database (FDC ID: 173941, Dried Apricots). Natural fruit moisture variations may cause slight fluctuations in individual piece weight, but nutrient proportions remain consistent per 40-gram serving.
Key Health Benefits, Edge Cases & Practical Dietary Guidance
Organic unsweetened apricots offer high functional value across several core health areas:
1. Electrolyte & Heart Support (High Potassium, Ultra-Low Sodium)
Each serving provides 465 mg of natural potassium alongside just 5 mg of sodium. The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes that maintaining a high dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio supports endothelial vascular relaxation and helps maintain normal blood pressure levels already within a healthy range.
2. Digestive Regularity & Microbiome Nourishment
With 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving (a blend of soluble pectin and insoluble cellulose), dried apricots add bulk to stool and support peristaltic movement. Soluble pectin also serves as a prebiotic fuel source for beneficial bifidobacteria in the colon.
3. Carotenoid & Cellular Defense
Dried apricots are rich in beta-carotene and polyphenolic flavonoids (including chlorogenic acid and catechins). As reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, these natural plant antioxidants help neutralize oxidative free radicals in skin and retinal tissue.
Important Edge Cases & Dietary Constraints
Caloric Density & Blood Sugar Monitoring: Because dehydration concentrates natural fruit sugars, 40 grams of dried apricots contains 21 grams of naturally occurring carbohydrates and sugars. Individuals managing diabetes or following strict ketogenic regimens should portion their servings carefully.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Due to the high potassium concentration (465 mg per small serving), patients on potassium-restricted renal diets must consult their nephrologist before adding dried apricots to their daily routine.
Mechanical Pit Fragments: While these apricots are mechanically pitted, stone fruit processing carries a slight possibility of an occasional small pit fragment. Chew mindfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are NOW Organic Dried Apricots completely free of added sulfites?
Yes. NOW Real Food® Organic Dried Apricots are completely unsulfured. They are certified organic by QAI and contain no added sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$), sodium bisulfite, or chemical anti-browning agents.
Why do these apricots look darker than standard dried apricots?
Conventional apricots stay neon orange because they are treated with sulfur fumes before dehydration. Because these organic apricots contain no sulfur gas or chemical bleaching agents, their natural sugars caramelize in the sun, turning them a deep, rich brown.
Is there any added sugar or sweetener in this package?
No. The only ingredient listed on the bag is organic dried apricots. The 21 grams of sugar per serving is 100% naturally occurring fructose and glucose from the fruit itself.
How should I store unsulfured dried apricots after opening?
Because these apricots contain no synthetic chemical preservatives, resealing the pouch and storing it in the refrigerator after opening is recommended to maintain maximum moisture, chewiness, and flavor freshness.
How does NOW Foods ensure this fruit is free from heavy metals and pesticide residues?
NOW Foods tests its raw agricultural materials using ISO/IEC 17025 accredited in-house laboratories. Raw apricot lots undergo ICP-MS testing for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic) and chromatography screening for microbiological pathogens and pesticide residues prior to release.
Why Buy NOW Organic Apricots from VitaNet®?
VitaNet®, LLC is an independent, family-owned nutritional retailer serving customers online since 1995 from our Hartville, Ohio warehouse[cite: 1]. When you purchase your vitamins and whole foods from VitaNet®, you avoid unverified third-party marketplace sellers and receive fresh inventory sourced directly from authorized manufacturers.
Every purchase is backed by our unconditional 100% Money-Back Guarantee[cite: 1]. If you are not completely satisfied with your order, we will refund your purchase and even cover the return shipping costs, even on opened packages[cite: 1].
