Most apricots and for that matter, a lot of the dried fruit, you see for sale are bright orange or yellow, many are brighter than the colour of the original fresh fruit. This is because a lot of dried fruit has been treated with sulphur to retain the colour and act as a preservative, hence they contain sulphites.
Do dried apricots contain sulfites?
Sulfur dioxide might not sound good enough to eat, but this food preservative does make its way into a number of edibles, including dried fruits such as raisins, dried apricots and prunes. Sulfur dioxide is one type of sulfite, a preservative whose name might be more familiar.
How do you remove sulfites from dried apricots?
With sulphur dioxide being water-soluble, immersing dried food in warm water can remove most of its residual presence in the food. Firstly, rinse and wash the dried food with clean water to remove the dust and impurities on its surface before immersing it in warm water (40oC to 50oC) for 20 to 30 minutes.
Does all dried fruit contain sulfites?
Organic brands of dried fruits do not contain sulfur dioxide. While organic dried fruits won’t last as long as conventional dried fruits because they don’t contain the preservative, you can freeze them so that they last longer.
Why do dried apricots have sulfur?
Sulfur dioxide is used in fruit dehydration primarily to enhance the color of the fruit under the guise that it makes the dried fruit more attractive to consumers, similar to how apples are coated in wax to give them an appealing shine. However, this vivid color does not mean that the fruit is actually fresh.
Can you get dried fruit without sulfites?
All Harmony House dried fruit is completely free from sulfur dioxide, and therefore completely safe for anyone—including those who have asthma or sensitivity to sulfiting agents.
Do you need to wash dried apricots?
Nuts, seeds & dried fruit
You should be washing nuts, seeds, and dried fruit before eating unless the packaging states that they are ready to eat. This is especially true if you have purchased them loose.
What is the difference between Sulphured and Unsulphured dried fruit?
There are two main varieties of dried apricots available: sulphured and unsulphured. Sulphured dried apricots, the most common, are preserved with sulphur dioxide, which not only extends the shelf life but also lightens the color and keeps the dried fruit soft. Unsulphured and organic fruit is darker and sweeter.
Can you wash off sulfites?
Sulphites cannot be reduced or removed by washing or cooking the food, and occur naturally in many foods. Sulphites are required to be listed on ingredient labels of foods.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to sulfites?
Symptoms include flushing, fast heartbeat, wheezing, hives, dizziness, stomach upset and diarrhoea, collapse, tingling or difficulty swallowing. Many of these reactions when fully assessed have been found not to be anaphylaxis, or caused by triggers other than sulfites.
Can you be allergic to dried apricots?
People who are allergic to or sensitive to sulfites could have a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the apricots.
How do you detox from sulfites?
But to completely cleanse your system of sulfites, you may want to do a detox regimen. Avoid all food additives, make sure your meals include at least 75 percent fresh or minimally processed fruits and vegetables, drink purified water and get a little exercise every day.
Are dried apricots good for you?
One cup of dried apricots provides 94% of your body’s daily need for Vitamin A and 19% of its iron. Dried apricots also contain potassium and antioxidants and have been known to lower cholesterol and improve digestion. Dried apricots are fat-free, low in calories & high in flavor!
What does sulfur dioxide do to your body?
Exposure to sulfur dioxide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Symptoms include: nasal mucus, choking, cough, and reflex bronchi constriction, and when liquid: frostbite Workers may be harmed from exposure to sulfur dioxide. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.
Does all dried fruit have preservatives?
Many foods contain preservatives to maintain freshness, and dried fruit is no exception. The USDA states that sulfur dioxide is used on foods, such as dried fruits, to prevent rotting and browning, as well as to maintain their color and appearance.
Does organic dried fruit contain sulphites?
The good news is that organic dried fruit is prohibited from containing any form of sulphur.
Do dried blueberries have sulfites?
Dried Blueberry may best be avoided on a low histamine diet. Dried fruits tend to contain preservatives like sulfur dioxide or sulfites which trigger reactions in some patients.
Why are sulfites added to dried fruit?
Sulfites in food
While some foods have naturally occurring sulfites, sulfites are often used as a preservative. Commonly added to dried fruits to increase the shelf stability and longevity of the item, sulfites are also used to prevent bacteria and discoloration.
What is added to dried apricots?
Bottom line: Sulfites are added to some dried fruit to preserve color, which may cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals.
How many dried apricots should you eat a day?
Obviously dried apricots count as one of your five a day. The recommended portion is 30gms (3 or 4 apricots). All dried fruit contains the same nutritional qualities as the original fresh fruit.
Are dried apricots anti inflammatory?
Apricots are rich in the plant-based chemical beta-cryptoxanthin, which studies have shown may help prevent osteoarthritis as well as inflammatory forms of arthritis. They also have high levels of magnesium, which strengthen bones and may ease pain, too.