Dried apricots are a dry fruit high in iron. Several sources confirm this. For example, dried apricots contain almost seven times more iron than fresh apricots. One hundred grams of dried apricots can provide around 3 milligrams of iron, a significant contribution to your daily iron intake. Other dried fruits like raisins, prunes, and peaches also contain iron, but apricots are notably higher.
Why Dried Fruits are Higher in Iron
The higher iron content in dried fruits compared to their fresh counterparts is due to the removal of water during the drying process. The concentration of nutrients, including iron, increases as the water content decreases.
Other Iron-Rich Dried Fruits
While apricots stand out, other dried fruits offer iron too, though generally in lower quantities than apricots:
- Raisins: Contain a moderate amount of iron.
- Prunes: A good source of iron.
- Dried Peaches: Provide a decent amount of iron.
Important Note on Iron Absorption
While these dried fruits offer iron, remember that iron absorption varies depending on other factors in your diet. Consuming dried fruits alongside foods rich in Vitamin C can improve iron absorption.
