Dry fruits in uk

Types of dry fruits in uk

In the United Kingdom, one can easily find a wide variety of dried fruits. The most common types include the following.

• Dried Apricots

  Dried apricots are among the most preferable types of dried fruits due to their slightly tangy taste and chewy texture. Mostly, they are sundried or dried using a machine. In the UK, they are available in two sorts: unsweetened and sweetened. Sweetened dried apricots are sweeter since they are soaked in sugar syrup before drying.

• Dried Apples

  Dried apples are produced from fresh apples that are peeled, cored, and sliced before being dried. The drying process concentrates the natural sugars in the fruit, giving it a sweet taste. Depending on the drying method used, they can be chewy or crispy. Air-dried apples have a lighter color while oven-dried apples have a darker color.

• Dried Cranberries

  Cranberries are small, round, and tart. Before drying them, they are usually sweetened with sugar or a sugar substitute to balance their natural tartness. Dried cranberries have a chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor. Because of their bright red color, they add a nice pop to any dish.

• Dried Mango

  Mango is sweet and tropical when fresh and retains much of that flavor even when dried. The drying process intensifies its sweetness, making it taste more concentrated and sweeter than fresh mango. Dried mango has a chewy texture. It also has a sticky and sometimes tough consistency, especially for slices that are thicker.

• Dried Cherries

  Cherries are small, round fruits that are sweet or tart, depending on the variety. When fresh, sweet cherries are firm and juicy with a smooth skin. Tart cherries have a slightly softer texture and a more vibrant, tangy flavor. Sweet cherries are typically are dried to produce sweet dried cherries. These have a thick, chewy texture and are sweet and rich in color.

Uses of dry fruits in uk

Dried fruits are highly versatile snacks that one can eat on their own or add to various dishes. Below are some common uses that dried fruits have in the UK.

• Snacking

  One of the most popular uses of dried fruits in the UK is snacking. Dried fruits are a chewy and sweet alternative to fresh fruits. They are also more convenient to consume because they do not need any refrigeration and can last longer than fresh fruits. Children love dried fruits as a sweet treat because they are naturally sweet and simple. Adults enjoy them while on the move as a healthy snack that boosts energy.

• Baking

  Dried fruits add flavor and texture to baked goods like cakes, loaves, and scones. In the UK, sultanas, raisins, and currants are common ingredients in traditional fruitcakes and other festive bakes. Dried cherries, cranberries, and apricots can be added to cookies for more chewiness and flavor. Dried fruit is used to make hot cross buns, which are typically filled with spices and dried fruit.

• Breakfast Dishes

  Dried fruits can be a delicious topping for breakfast foods such as cereal, yogurt, and oatmeal. Oatmeal and porridge are often enhanced by adding raisins, sultanas, or dried apricots for sweetness and extra chew. Yogurt bowls frequently have a sprinkling of dried fruit, like goji berries or dried cranberries, for added flavor and texture. Muesli mixes almost always include dried fruit bits, which add sweetness and chewy consistency to the mix of nuts and oats.

• Confectionery

  Dried fruits are a popular ingredient in candied or chocolate-covered snacks in the UK. Chocolate-covered raisins, apricots, and goji berries are a common treat found in shops and at confectioneries. Dried fruit can be glazed with sugar and cooked to produce sticky and sweet nibbles that are enjoyed by many.

• Cooking Savory Dishes

  While fresh fruit is commonly used in UK cuisine, dried fruit can be a delicious ingredient in certain savory dishes. In rice dishes like pilaf and biryani, add sultanas or raisins for sweetness and texture contrast. Moroccan tagines also frequently contain apricots or prunes, which balance out spices and meat flavors.

Benefits of dry fruits in uk

Dried fruits are highly nutritious snacks that provide a wide range of health benefits. Below are some concerns that dried fruits address and the health benefits that they provide.

• High in Dietary Fiber

  The drying process removes water from the fruits, concentrating their nutrients and sugars, which makes them smaller in size. Because they are smaller in size, most require more chewing to fully break them down, hence increasing fiber intake. A high intake of fiber improves digestive health by preventing constipation, promoting regular bowel movements, and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

• Rich in Antioxidants

  Dried fruits have high antioxidant levels, which protect the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress results in cell damage and aging, as well as a variety chronic diseases like cancer. Dried fruits like raisins, prunes, and goji berries are packed with polyphenols and vitamin C. These can counteract free radicals and lower inflammation.

• Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals

  Dried fruits preserve most vitamins and minerals in them. Consequently, they are packed with nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A. Potassium helps in blood pressure control by balancing sodium levels in the body. This balance aids in regulating blood pressure. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body, such as muscle and nerve function. Vitamin A, which is abundant in dried apricots, promotes good vision and supports the immune system.

• Convenient and Energy-Dense

  Dried fruits are lightweight, non-perishable snacks that make them convenient to boost energy on the go. They have a longer shelf life compared to fresh fruits because they do not require any refrigeration. When fruits are freshened to make them dried, all the water content in them is removed. This process concentrates the natural sugars in the fruits, hence making dried fruits energy-dense. Their energy density makes them an excellent choice for athletes or hikers who require quick energy sources to sustain their performance.

• Natural Sweetness for Healthy Desserts

  Sweet but healthy desserts are possible due to the natural sweetness that dried fruits possess. Cane sugar-free sweet treats can be prepared from dried fruits simply sweetened with fruit sugar. Dried fruits are capable of satisfying sweet cravings and reducing the desire for less healthy sugary snacks. This helps in maintaining weight and reducing the risk of developing an array of chronic diseases.

How to Choose and Store dry fruits in uk

One should store dried fruits properly so that they can remain fresh and last longer. Below are some tips to choose and store dried fruits.

• Choosing Dried Fruits

  In the UK, one can find both natural and sweetened dried fruits. The natural varieties require less preparation and are therefore healthier, while the sweetened varieties are sweeter in taste. Look for dried fruit that has pleasing but strong natural fruit undertones. The fruit should also smell like fruit and not like alcohol or fermentation.

• Texture

  While some dried fruits like apples become brittle during the drying process, others like apricots should remain slightly chewy. If the fruits feel hard, they may have been over-dried or are old. Fresh dried fruit should feel a bit sticky because of its natural sugars. If it is too sticky, it means that it has developed mold, which is bad.

• Color

  Dried fruits like raisins should be dark in color, while others like dried apricots should have a bright orange or yellow color. Adding sulfites helps in preservation and maintenance of fruit color. However, it is also associated with allergic reactions. This is because many consumers may find it unappealing to look at fruits that appear dull and have no color at all. Fruits that are more dull than their original color were are often naturales or of lower quality.

• Moisture Content

  Over-dried fruits may be too hard to chew and eat. On the other hand, over-hydrated fruits are not good either. They may also develop mold and spoil faster.

• Storing Dried Fruits

  When properly stored, dried fruits can last for many months or even years. Keep dried fruits in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air. Exposure to air causes dried fruits to become hard and loses moisture over time. Then, store the container in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can degrade the quality of the fruits and reduce their nutritional value. For long-term storage, keep dried fruits in the refrigerator or freezer to extend shelf life and retain freshness. In the UK, the damp and cool climate largely facilitate the preservation of dried fruits.

• Freezing

  Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Goji berries that are in the freezer can last up to two years or more. Just make sure they are in airtight bags or containers before freezing them. Thaw frozen dried fruits in the refrigerator when needed, or let them sit at room temperature.

Q&A

Q1. Are dried fruits healthy for kids to snack on?

A1. Dried fruits are healthy snacks for kids, providing natural sweetness, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They support kids’ growth and energy needs. Monitor portion sizes because they are calorie-dense with sugar. The stickiness of some dried fruits may require dental care.

Q2. What can be done to prevent dried fruit from becoming sticky?

A2. Excessive moisture and heat often cause dried fruits to become sticky. Proper storage of dried fruits in cool and dry places can prevent them from becoming sticky. Another way is by adding a layer of flour or cornstarch between the fruits to keep them separated from one another.

Q3. Do dried fruits contain added sugar?

A3. Certain varieties of dried fruit, like cranberries and cherries, are frequently sweetened to counteract their natural acidity with added sugar cane. Others, like raisins and dates, tend to be naturally sweet without extra sugar. Most dried fruits have a sticky sugar coating on them. This is because the drying process causes the sugars to concentrate and come to the fruit's surface. Always check the packaging to see if added sugars were used when sweetening fruits.

Q4. Are dried fruits able to last longer than canned fruits?

A4. Yes, dried fruits can last longer than canned fruits. They can last a year or more when stored properly and for an indefinite period when frozen or stored in ideal conditions. On the other hand, canned fruits typically last 2 to 5 years.

Q5. Which is better: fresh fruit or dried fruit?

A5. Both fresh and dried fruits have the same amount of nutrients in them. However, because dried fruits are more energy-dense than fresh fruits, they are more beneficial when the right amount of dried fruits equal to the amount of fresh fruits is consumed.