Wednesday 8 May 2013

Dried Fruit-One of the Best Gifts of Nature



Dried fruits are one of the finest things that nature provides for our nourishment and enjoyment. Normal fruits are dried and processed either by the sun’s heat or by a special appliance known as a Dehydrator. One of the most important things to remember while preparing dried fruit is to keep the color. Ascorbic Acid can be used during the drying process for this. After washing the fruit, you can slice it, or even blanch the fruit. Be sure to remove the pits of fruits that have a pit.

Some Facts about Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is an excellent choice for snacks or at mealtime. They are rich in nutrients and are also delicious. You can eat them every day. They are very high in fiber content, potassium and iron and will benefit the digestive system. They are good for people who are suffering from constipation or lower blood pressure. Dried fruit can keep your stomach feeling full if you’re on a diet. This is a much preferred snack alternative and can help you avoid cookies, candy bars and potato chips. 

One of the best things about dried fruit is that they have almost the same nutritional value as fresh fruits. They are totally similar in fact, only much sweeter. They are a great option as a healthy snack alternative.

Origin of Dried Fruits

Dried fruits have been part of the Mediterranean diet for centuries. They were cultivated in the region of the Middle East, which is known as the “Fertile Crescent “. The earliest form of preservation for many foods was drying or dehydration. The value of dried fruits was understood by the early hunter-gatherers. They could be taken on long hunting journeys without spoiling.

Gradually, the idea spread from the Middle East to Europe in countries like Greece and Italy. Dried fruit was commonly consumed in ancient Rome. In modern times, it has become one of the best snack options for those in a hurry or on a diet. Dried fruit can easily be placed in a lunch box or taken on vacation for a healthy snack anytime, anywhere.

Conclusion

Dried fruits are one of nature’s wonders. They represent pure nutrition given by nature itself. In today’s world, people are often too busy to eat right and so they grab sodas, chips and cookies, which are actually very low in nutrition and a major cause of high cholesterol and obesity. Dried fruits should be included in your daily diet. They can help us stay fit and healthy. They provide a healthy snack alternative that’s high in nutrition and fiber and low in calories. 

Robert Samuels is a proficient author on food and beverage topics. In this article, he has discussed the importance of dried fruits. He is a long-time contributor for basketbox.com. He suggests his readers to visit Google+ page to avail further information on this matter.