It is a well-known fact that dried fruit offers sufficient nutritive value due to which they are highly consumed throughout the world. The water content in the fruit is removed either by sun-drying or by using special dehydrators and dryers. However, apart from water no other constituent is removed or altered during drying so that their taste remains the same. Apart from retaining their taste, they also retain their nutritious value and help boost one’s immunity. Dried fruits can be consumed any time of the day as they offer low to moderate GI (glycemic index) value which means that the blood sugar levels are regulated with regular consumption. However, consuming them during the day or evening hours can be beneficial for the body as metabolism can be boosted.
Thus, they can be eaten as snacks during the morning and evening hours. They provide instant energy for people who are on a diet or can satisfy one’s sweet tooth. They can also be very good for children and kids who always stay active. Some dried nuts like raw cashews can be quite nourishing and very healthy. They help in improving heart health, can be very beneficial for type-2 diabetes, and nourishes the skin. Dry nuts are also known to help hair growth and can lower blood pressure. These nuts are rich in antioxidants like carotenoids, and polyphenols that can be very good to reduce any type of inflammation and improve one’s immunity. They can either be eaten in their dry form or can be mixed in several dishes for a satisfying experience.
Different types of dishes can be prepared by using dried fruits. They are commonly used in ice creams, yogurts, desserts, cakes, and salads. In many countries, they are added to dishes like biryani and pilafs to add richness to the dish. Many varieties of sweets are also made with them as they work very well as a garnishing ingredient to add flavour to the dishes. In many cases, the fruits are shredded and mixed in sweets that lend them a wonderful flavor. Many sweets specifically use items like cashew, figs, apricot, turkey, dried mango, etc. and these are very popular among the masses.
Another fantastic option for cooking different items is dried seeds. Dried seeds are nutty and rich in nutrients. They have fewer carbohydrates and fats making them ideal for consumption. Therefore, very few calories can be obtained by them. They can be added to many types of preparations for enhancing the taste. Moreover, they are also used for decorating food items and added to smoothies to increase their nutrition. Some ice-creams also make use of them to create a delicious flavor. They offer enough protein and essential nutrients that can be beneficial for senior citizens. Therefore, dried fruits and nuts are versatile foods that can boost health and are consumed by lots of people globally.