Dried fruit

Dried fruit is made when the original fruit is dehydrated to remove the water content in it using different drying methods. Dried fruit is popular as a snack or a cooking ingredient by chefs and bakers.

Types of dried fruit in bulk

Almost all fruits can be dried to preserve their nutrients, sweetness, flavor, and shelf-life. The most common dried fruits include:

• Raisins

Raisins are dried grapes and are among the most commonly eaten dry fruits on Earth. They are mainly used in baking and confectionary making.

• Apples

Dried apples are made by slicing apples into small, thin slices and drying them to keep their freshness intact. They are spiced and sweetened most of the time to make them a popular snack.

• Mangoes

Dried mangoes are chewy and sweet. They can also be a little tangy depending on how ripe the mango was when it was dried.

• Apricots

Dried apricots are often sulfur-treated to maintain their bright orange color, However, unsulfured varieties are also available.

• Dates

Dried dates are naturally sweet and chewy treats. They are highly popular in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines.

• Figs

Dried figs have a sweet, honey-like flavor and are often used in desserts and savory dishes. They can be placed on food as a topping to add texture and flavor to a dish.

• Prunes

Prunes are simply dried plums. These dried fruits are well-known for their digestive benefits and rich flavor.

• Cranberries

Dried cranberries have a natural tartness. They can therefore be enjoyed as is or sweetened to achieve a lighter taste.

• Bananas

Dried bananas are made when bananas are cut into slices and then fried or dehydrated. Because of this technique, they are usually called banana chips.

How dried fruit in bulk is made

There are five main methods used to make dried fruit. Some are natural means while others use modern technology to achieve. Sun drying is an ancient traditional method for drying fruits. The fruit is exposed to the sun’s rays to get rid of the moisture within them. The process can take several days and is commonly used for raisins and apricots. Air drying is a slower method but is known to retain the most nutrients within the fruit. It uses air circulation to dry the fruit at room temperature. Fruit can be dried in an oven at a low temperature, usually between 140-170°F (60-75°C), for several hours. In food dehydration, a food dehydrator removes moisture from the fruit by circulating warm air. This is a faster and more controlled method than air or sun drying. Freeze drying is a modern method that involves freezing the fruit and then removing the moisture through sublimation. Freeze-dried fruit retains much of its original flavor, color, and nutrients.

Benefits of dried fruit in bulk

Since the water is removed, dried fruits are more calorie-dense and contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and fiber compared to their fresh counterparts. Dried fruits are high in natural sugars, which makes them a quick energy source. However, this also means they should be consumed in moderation, especially for those monitoring sugar intake. Dried fruits are a good source of dietary fiber which aids in digestion. Many dried fruits, such as raisins and prunes, are rich in antioxidants. This means that they help to protect the body from oxidative stress and the diseases that result from it.

Conclusion

Dried fruit is made when the original fruit is dehydrated to remove the water content in it using different drying methods. Almost any fruit can be dried. However, grapes, apricots, plums, bananas, apples, mangoes, dates, cranberries, and figs are the most common ones. Get dried fruit in bulk on Alibaba.com from global manufacturers and suppliers.