Dried fruit is a healthy, easy to carry, and delicious snack. It’s also good for you! However, not all dried fruit is created equal. In fact, some dried fruit has more sugar than a candy bar. Here are some tips for picking the best dried fruit brands for your health and budget:
How to Choose the Best Dried Fruit
When choosing dried fruit, you want to look for a few things. First, make sure that the fruit is not too old. If you can see mold on it or if it’s very dark in color, then it’s probably time to pass on that particular piece of dried mango or apricot.
Secondly, check the texture of your dried fruit before buying it: if a piece has become too soft or hard (and thus no longer chewy), then don’t buy it either! And finally–this is important–make sure all of your dried fruits smell good! If they don’t have an appealing aroma when you take them out of their packaging, then chances are high that they won’t taste great either
. What are the best ways to use dried fruit? Dried fruit is a great way to make a healthy snack that’s full of flavor. It’s also wonderful when mixed into other foods like trail mixes and granola bars. Some people even make dried fruit desserts like cobblers or pies!
If you’re looking for ways to use dried fruit, then here are a few ideas: -Toss some dried apricots or dates into your yogurt parfait. It’s a healthy way to start your day off right! -Use mango slices as an alternative topping for vanilla ice cream. They’ll bring an exotic twist to a classic dessert!
-Mix dried cranberries into your next batch of granola. They’ll make it taste even more delicious than it already does! -Make a fruit salad with a variety of dried fruits, like cherries, apples and bananas. It’ll be so tasty that you won’t miss the fresh ones one bit!
-Make a trail mix with dried apples, raisins and nuts. It’ll be the perfect snack to take on hikes or when traveling.
What’s in a Name?
The first thing you might notice when you look at the ingredient list on a package of dried fruit is that many brands use sulphur dioxide to preserve their product. The good news is that sulphur dioxide has been shown to be safe for consumption in small amounts, but it’s still something to consider if you’re trying to avoid additives or preservatives in your food.
The second thing that might jump out at you is how many different kinds of fruits are used in each brand’s recipe–and how much sugar they add! Some brands only contain one kind of dried fruit (like raisins or apricots), while others have multiple varieties mixed together into one big bag (like mangoes). Some brands even call themselves “natural” despite containing added sugars and preservatives like citric acid and sodium metabisulfite–two substances commonly used as preservatives by other companies! So what’s an environmentally conscious consumer supposed do?
The best thing you can do for your health and the environment is to buy dried fruits in smaller quantities and make them yourself. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s going into each recipe–and how much sugar or other additives they contain.
Aside from being healthier, homemade dried fruit is also cheaper than store-bought varieties. You can easily make your own raisins or apricots at home–just buy a bunch of fresh grapes or apricots and dehydrate them in an oven set to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. In fact, there are lots of ways to preserve food without the use of preservatives or added sugars–so why not try your hand at making some healthy snacks?
But if you’re in a pinch for time and money, there are some brands that offer healthier dried fruits. The best way to know what’s going into your food is to read the ingredient list, so always be sure to check out all of the things listed on the packaging before buying. You should also look for products without added sugars or preservatives–like those made by California Raisins!
The best dried fruit brands are ones that use natural ingredients and don’t add sugar or preservatives. That way, your body won’t have to work as hard digesting the food–and you’ll get more out of it.
The Best Brands of Dried Fruit
Now that you know how to choose the best dried fruit, it’s time to look at some of the best brands on the market.
- The California Raisins: If you have fond memories of watching The California Raisins in commercials as a child (or even if not), then this brand is worth checking out. It offers several different kinds of dried fruit including raisins, apricots and applesauce. You can also find it in a convenient snack bag if you’re looking for something quick and easy on-the-go!
- Sunsweet Dried Fruit: This company offers both organic versions of their products as well as non-organic options so there’s something for everyone here! They offer everything from apricots to cherries–and even cranberries!
The company was founded in the early 1900s and has been satisfying customers for over 100 years. The dried fruit is grown and processed in California, which means that it’s fresh and high-quality!
Sun-Rype: This brand offers a wide array of dried fruit including raisins, cranberries and apples. It’s also available in individual serving bags so if you just need a little snack or something to eat while on the go, this is definitely an option! Symphony Sun-Dried Fruit: If you’re looking for something sweet but not too sweet, then this brand might be right up your alley. Their dried fruit contains no added sugar (it’s naturally sweetened) which makes it great for those who want to watch their sugar intake.
The company was founded in 1929 and has been serving the public for over 90 years. They offer a wide variety of dried fruits including apricots, cherries, cranberries and more! Snackwells: This brand offers both raisins as well as other dried fruit varieties such as apples and bananas. The company got its start in 1967 when it was originally created by Nabisco (a subsidiary of Kraft Heinz).
They are known for their low-fat cookies and crackers, but also offer a wide selection of other products such as candy and fruit snacks. They offer both individual serving bags as well as larger sizes that can be purchased in bulk.
How to Store Dried Fruit
The best way to store dried fruit is in an airtight container, preferably in a dark and cool place. Heat and moisture can cause the natural sugars in the fruit to ferment and spoil. If you’d like to keep your dried fruit for long periods of time, consider freezing it or storing it in the refrigerator (the latter will prevent mold growth).
To freeze dried fruit, wrap each piece in plastic and then place them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat the fruit, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature.
If you’re planning to eat your dried fruit within the next few weeks, store it in a cool, dry place. If you’d like to keep it for long periods of time, consider freezing it or storing it in the refrigerator (the latter will prevent mold growth).
If you’re planning to eat your dried fruit within the next few weeks, store it in a cool, dry place. If you’d like to keep it for long periods of time, consider freezing it or storing it in the refrigerator (the latter will prevent mold growth).
If you’re planning to eat your dried fruit within the next few weeks, store it in a cool, dry place. If you’d like to keep it for long periods of time, consider freezing it or storing it in the refrigerator (the latter will prevent mold growth).
If you’re planning to eat your dried fruit within the next few weeks, store it in a cool, dry place. If you’d like to keep it for long periods of time, consider freezing it or storing it in the refrigerator (the latter will prevent mold growth).
Buy dried fruit that is high quality and tastes good, and store it properly.
- Buy dried fruit from a store you trust.
- Buy dried fruit that is high quality and tastes good.
- Store dried fruit properly: in airtight containers, stored in a cool, dry place.
If you’re planning to eat your dried fruit within the next few weeks, store it in a cool, dry place. If you’d like to keep it for long periods of time, consider freezing it or storing it in the refrigerator (the latter will prevent mold growth)Dried fruit is a great way to add healthy nutrients to your diet. However, it can be easy to overdo it. If you’re worried about eating too much dried fruit, consider these tips for how to eat more dried fruit in moderation:.
Cut the amount of dried fruit you eat in half. This is a good way to reduce your overall intake without feeling like you’re depriving yourself. Instead of eating a handful of raisins each day, try eating just one-quarter cup per day.. Break up your dried fruit intake throughout the day instead of consuming it all at once. For example, eat half a banana each morning with breakfast and save the other half for an afternoon snack..Combine dried fruit with other foods that contain natural sugars (like berries or apples).
When you eat a food that’s high in natural sugars, it can help to curb your appetite for sweet things. Soaking dried fruit in water before eating it can make it easier to digest. This is especially important if you have an intolerance to certain sugars or if you have gastrointestinal issues..Eat high-fiber foods like nuts and seeds along with dried fruit. Fiber helps slow down digestion so that you don’t feel hungry again soon after eating
