Healthiest Dried Fruits / Nutrition / Healthy Eating. Dried fruits are very popular for a multitude of reasons! Eating fruit is associated with improved health and provides many of the essential minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients and fiber that you need every day. Dried fruit doesn't spoil as quickly and is an easy snack to pack, especially for activities like hiking! But keep in mind, dried fruits are higher in calories because they are more concentrated once the water has been removed.

Although dried figs are available throughout the year, there is nothing like the unique taste and texture of fresh figs. They are lusciously sweet with a texture that.

Weight for weight, fresh fruit will have few calories than its dehydrated version. One hundred grams of fresh plums contain only 4. It is also important to note that some vitamins are lost during the drying process. For the same fresh plums, you are eating 1. C, but when dried, you are getting only 1%.

It is also important to note that a single serving of fresh fruit is 1 cup, but when fruit has been dehydrated, a single serving is only one half of a cup. When you are selecting different dried fruits, be sure to read the packaging label. Look not only at the appropriate portion size, but also what else has been added to the dried fruit. Often dried fruits have additional sugar added to enhance the flavor and draw the water from the microbial cells, thereby protecting it from spoilage. Look for labels that say "no sugar added," or the dried fruit might be a treat rather than a healthy snack. Some dried fruits will be hard to find without added sugar, especially cranberries, pineapple, and bananas. Another commonly added ingredient is sulfur dioxide, which works to preserve the fruit and prevent discoloration.

A serving size of fruit is usually 1 medium whole fruit or ½ cup cooked, canned or dried fruit; a serving size of vegetables is usually one cup of raw or cooked. Dehydrating fruit: Steps for dehydrating apples, bananas, pears, strawberries, pineapples, peaches, blueberries, mangos. Recipes using dried fruit in desserts. Organic Dried Medjool Dates Our dried pitted dates are intensely sweet and wonderfully chewy. A sacred fruit of the ancients, dates were considered a fruit of peace. Surprise your taste buds with the sweet, delicious taste of Craisins® Dried Cranberries. Made with real fruit and good as a snack or in a recipe, they’re gluten free. Craisins® Dried Cranberries Trail Mix Cranberry, Fruit & NutsTry this great product from Ocean Spray.

Some popular and nutritious dried fruits include the following: 1. Peaches½ cup serving: 1. Peaches may not be as common as other dried fruits like apricots but are also a nutritioius choice. They contain 3. 4% of your daily vitamin A needs and 1. Apples½ cup serving: 1. Although maybe not as nutrition- packed as some other dried fruits, a serving is often lower in calories than many other choices if you are looking for a lighter snack.

Lychees½ cup serving: 2. These delicious fruits are often sold frozen or canned, but if you can find them dried they can be a great addition to your diet. One serving provides an amazing 2. C! Additionally it has 3.

Apricot½ cup serving: 1. Apricots have 4. 7% of your daily vitamin A needs in a single serving and are a good source of potassium, vitamin E and copper! Prunes½ cup serving: 2. Although lacking in insoluble fiber, prunes are often linked to providing a laxative effect. Additionally, in a single serving there is 2. Figs½ cup serving: 1. Figs are also associated with a laxative effect.

Additionally, they are a good source of important minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese. Cranberries, sweetened½ cup serving: 1. It is almost impossible to find unsweetened dried cranberries, but in appropriate servings they can still be a healthy choice!

The dark color of foods, including cranberries, is associated with being rich in phytonutrients! Currants½ cup serving: 2. Currants have 3 grams of protein per serving, 1.

Raisins½ cup serving: 2. Although often sold in miniature box servings to be packed in lunches, raisins are also good to have around the house to cook with and like other dried fruits are fun to add to porridge. One serving has 2 grams of protein and is a good source of many minerals like potassium and manganese! Pork Chop Crock Pot Meals here. Pears½ cup serving: 2. Dried pears are still a good source of vitamin C, iron, vitamin K and copper. Try adding as a salad topper! Tomatoes½ cup serving: 6.

Often added as a topping to pizzas, salads and other savory recipes, dried tomatoes are a nutritious choice. One serving is a good way to add iron, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, magnesium and manganese to your meal!

Jujube½ cup serving: 2. Best Dry Rub For Ribs. Although a more uncommon fruit, jujubes can be a fun new food to try. They are still a good source of vitamin C and riboflavin! Healthy Breastfeeding Diet Tips.

Emily De. Lacey MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian and currently working in Jamaica as a HIV/ AIDS Prevention Specialist. She attended Central Washington University for her Bachelor's Degree in Science and Dietetics and continued on after her internship to Kent State University for her Master's Degree in Science and Nutrition, with a focus on public health and advocacy. She served as a U. S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi 2.

Community Health Advisor in a rural village, immersing in the joys of life without electricity or running water. She has been to 2. US. Traveling, adventuring and experiencing new cultures has made her a passionate advocate for the equality of nutrition and wellness for all people.

Organic Medjool Dates - Organic Dried Medjool Dates. Organic Dried Medjool Dates Our dried pitted dates are intensely sweet and wonderfully chewy. A sacred fruit of the ancients, dates were considered a fruit of peace and prosperity.

Pitted dates got their name from the Spanish missionaries who brought them when setting up California' missions, leaving them to flourish throughout the region. High in calcium and iron, one serving of dates also provides you with 2. Bake them into fig bars and take them to work for a healthy, mid- day snack.