Dry fruits are best in Pakistan:

Dry fruits are best in Pakistan, but the question that arises is which fruit we can say is dried fruit. So when fresh fruit is dried and dehydrated in a series of processes before packaging, it leads to the creation of Healthy Eating dried fruit for long-term nutrition. These fruits are pre-treated to preserve their color and soaked in various substances such as ascorbic acid, pectin, or juices. The fruit is then cut, pitted, and blanched before drying.

Essential: Dried Fruits-Dry fruits are best in Pakistan

Dry fruit is a smart choice:

We must realize how, why, and in what quantity these fruits should be consumed to get the best Healthy nutrition from them and not harm our bodies. While dried fruit is a smart choice, there are a few things you should know before eating it regularly.

Essential: Dried Fruits-Dry fruits are best in Pakistan

Why use dry fruit:

Dried fruits are high in fiber, potassium, and iron, which help maintain a healthy digestive system. They also help relieve constipation, lower blood pressure, and keep the stomach full when dieting or between meals. While eating dried fruit instead of munching on cookies, candy, and other greasy snacks is a great alternative, it's always better to stick to fresh fruit as much as possible. Alternatively, we can easily carry dried fruit to work or school in our pockets. They won't rot or smell. So they are extremely reliable.

Essential: Dried Fruits-Dry fruits are best in Pakistan

How to eat dry fruit:

However, it is also important to keep in mind that many drying processes involve additives such as sulfites. Therefore, one should be very careful before grabbing a box of dry fruits. Great losses of nutritional value occur during the pre-treatment and dehydration process. Dried fruits are also calorie-dense. One cup of dried fruit has about 3 times the calories of about ¼ cup of its original fruit. Therefore, if not consumed in moderation, they can easily increase body weight. But when used in the right amount, it can also help control weight. Two servings of fruit a day can help you lose weight, and dried fruit can be an easy way to fill that gap.

Essential: Dried Fruits-Dry fruits are best in Pakistan

Shelf life and preservatives:

Dried fruit generally has a shelf life of 6 months to approximately one year. But if you find that the fruit is losing its color, texture, and juice, then wash and cut the fruit and soak it in a solution of lemon juice and water for about 30 seconds to see how it has retained its color, taste, and nutritional value.

How to buy dry fruits:

When buying, it is important to check the content of dried fruit. Look for dried or freeze-dried versions without sugar or preservatives. There may also be a small amount of oil in the dried fruit, which helps prevent the fruit from clumping. Freeze-dried fruit is frozen and then placed in a vacuum chamber to gradually remove the water content without changing its nutritional content, and taste along with its crisp and dry texture.

Essential: Dried Fruits-Dry fruits are best in Pakistan

Recipes using dried fruit

Dried fruit can also be cut up before baking and stuffed into the center of apples, used in fruit pies, and added to oatmeal for breakfast for a healthy snack. You can also include small pieces of dried fruit in salty cooking. Incorporating raisins and chopped dates into couscous, rice, or lentil pilaf offers a good way to contrast savory and sweet in the same dish. Other dried fruits such as mango or pineapple work well in various sauces and glazes.