Why are organic dried apricots brown?

Dried apricots are one of my favourite dried fruits. I like to eat them straight from the bag, sprinkle them on my muesli or porridge and bake with them. They work particularly well in the fruity flapjack recipe below. But have you ever wondered why organic dried apricots you find in health food shops are brown instead of orange?

If you look closely at the label on your non-organic apricots you will find SO2 listed as an ingredient . This refers to sulphur dioxide which is used to help the fruit retain it's colour. This process is banned in organic production. The lack of this additive is what gives organic dried apricots it's brown colour and caramel taste. Give them a try they are yummy!