Dried Fruits
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What it is
Dried fruits are fruits that have had most of their original water content removed. This is done through methods like sun drying, air drying, or using food dehydrators. Removing water helps preserve the fruit and concentrates its natural sugars and flavors.
Why it's used
Dried fruits are often added to foods for their sweetness, chewy texture, and concentrated flavor. They are commonly found in breakfast cereals, granola bars, baked goods like muffins and cookies, trail mixes, and as a natural sweetener in some processed foods.
Health notes
Dried fruits are a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the drying process concentrates natural sugars, so intake should be considered within a balanced diet. Regulatory bodies like the FDA consider dried fruits to be safe food ingredients. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various dried fruits and their components.
Allergen info
Dried fruits are not typically considered major allergens. However, some dried fruits may be processed in facilities that also handle major allergens, leading to a risk of cross-contamination. Gluten is not naturally present unless the fruit is dried with a gluten-containing grain.