According to Sunrise Fresh, dried apricots can be frozen indefinitely when unopened.
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of many foods, including dried fruits like apricots. While dried fruits are already preserved through the drying process, freezing further inhibits spoilage and helps maintain quality over a much longer period.
Shelf Life of Dried Fruits
The shelf life of dried fruits varies depending on how they are stored. The provided reference from Sunrise Fresh illustrates this:
| Dried Fruit | (Unopened) Pantry | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Apricots | 6-12 Months | Indefinite |
| Dried Mangoes | 6-12 Months | Indefinite |
| Dates | 3-12 Months | Indefinite |
| Dried Blueberries | 6-12 Months | Indefinite |
Source: Dried Fruit Expiration Date | Sunrise Fresh
What "Indefinite" Means
When a food item is listed as lasting "indefinite" in the freezer, it generally means that at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), it will remain safe to eat for an extremely long time because microbial growth is stopped. However, quality, such as taste, texture, or color, may eventually degrade over very long periods. For practical purposes, properly frozen dried apricots will retain their quality for many years, making freezing the best long-term storage option.
Best Practices for Freezing Dried Apricots
To maximize the quality and longevity when freezing dried apricots, even if unopened, consider these tips:
- Ensure the packaging is airtight to prevent freezer burn. If the original packaging isn't suitable, transfer the apricots to a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.
- Remove as much air as possible from the packaging before sealing.
- Store the apricots at a consistent freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Following these steps helps maintain the quality of your dried apricots for their potentially indefinite freezer life.
