Apricot Oil vs Dried Apricots: What Is the Difference?

Quick answer: Dried apricots are edible fruit, whereas apricot kernel oil is extracted from the seed kernel. They have different compositions and uses, so one should not be treated as a substitute for the other.

Frequently asked questions

Can you eat apricot kernel oil?

Do not assume an apricot oil sold for cosmetic use is edible. Only consume an oil explicitly labelled as food-grade and intended for culinary use.

Are dried apricots and apricot kernels the same?

No. The fleshy fruit becomes dried apricots; the hard pit contains a kernel. Raw apricot kernels can contain cyanogenic compounds and may be unsafe to eat.

Is apricot oil suitable for the skin?

Cosmetic apricot kernel oil is commonly used as an emollient. Patch-test first and stop using it if irritation occurs.

Which option should you buy?

Choose dried fruit for snacking and an appropriately labelled oil for its specified intended use. Always follow product directions.

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Prepared by Baltistan Organic Dry Fruits as general shopping and educational information. Product ingredients and suitability vary; check individual labels.