Explore the bouquet of dried fruits and check out the benefits.

For food to qualify for a mid-meal snack, it has to meet two requirements

1. The food should be ready to eat
2. The food should have a good shelf life

Dry Fruits meet the requirements. Let us check out some popular and widely accepted dry fruits and nuts that are available.

1. Apricot is a prune i.e., a fruit with a stone. Apricot seeds contain substances that are known to medical science for the treatment of cancer. The dried apricot is rich in micronutrients. The dried fruit is treated with sulfur dioxide to impart it a bright orange color. Organic apricot is darker in color.
2. Black Currants are known as a rich source of Vitamin C. Dried black currants have a high calorific content. The fruit is available in southern Europe and the tropics. Historically it has been used to treat throat sores and as diuretic.
3. Dates are a fruit that is widely grown and more specifically available around Mediterranean deserts. The fruit is rich in calorific value, but the most important feature of this fruit is that it is a rich source of micronutrients like boron, cobalt, copper, fluorine, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
4. Blueberry is a fruit that is easily grown in many parts of the world. Dried blueberry has a good amount of sugars. It is also a rich source of micronutrients like essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. Phytochemicals in blueberry make it a good antioxidant.
5. Cranberry is a small fruit that grows on shrubs in many parts of the world. The fruit is known as a good source for Vitamin C. The fruit is known to be beneficial to patients who have suffered from urinary tract infections as it is known to protect recurrence.
6. Strawberry is a fruit that grows on shrubs. It is available in places with colder climates. The fruit is known for its flavour and taste, and people use it to make jams and to flavour sweet dishes. Dried strawberries are a great source for micronutrients and phytochemicals that prevent cardiovascular diseases and antioxidants that prevent cancer.
7. Cherry is a plant that grows on trees in colder climes. The fruit has a distinctive flavour and taste. They are a rich source of Vitamin C. Cherries are used to flavour desserts and to make jams and jellies.
8.  Figs are a fruit of the Ficus group of trees. They do not need very good soil or weather to grow. Figs have been known to add taste to many dishes. It has some dietary value but not as rich as other fruits. It is consumed in places where Vitamin C sources are not easily grown.
9. Goji Berries or Wolfberries are very popular in Chinese medicine and is supposed to cure many ailments. Dried Goji berries are consumed by many as it is believed that it assures long life to the person who regularly intakes this fruit.
10. Mango is a fruit of a deciduous tree that grows in tropical regions. The fruit is well known for its unique flavour and taste. Raw mango is very sour and is used to add acidity to food. Ripe Mango is sweet and rich in Vitamin C and folates. Dried Mango is available in sheets and is an excellent snack.
11. Pineapple is a fruit that grows on the stem of the pineapple shrub. The fruit is well known for its distinctive flavour. It is very sweet and available in dried form as a popular snack.
12. Papaya is a tropical fruit. Ripe papaya is very sweet and has a distinctive flavour. Raw papaya is rich in papain that breaks down proteins. It is popularly used as a meat tenderizer. Dried papaya is consumed as a popular snack.

Now that you are aware of the various benefits of dried fruits it is time to check out the pocket-friendly packs of these products available in shops or online. Check out some of the popular products below

Dried Apricots a great mid-meal snack

Dried Apricots are a great mid-meal snack. It is free from any cholesterol and rich in micronutrients. The snack provides enough dietary fibers to make you feel its presence in your stomach without adding unnecessary carbohydrates into your food intakes.

A Pack of Mix Berries to go along with a long

Are you planning to take a road trip? Are you stocking up on snacks to keep you busy on the way? Hang on a sec, before you buy potato chips and corn based snacks. Have you checked on the Mix Berries pack? This pack of dried mix berries is a great source of dietary fibre without the huge dose of cholesterol-rich fats and carbohydrates. You will find a mix of berries like strawberries, raisins, cranberry, goji berries, blueberries and many other berries that are a great treat to your tongue.

The Healthy Pack of Cranberries to chew on

If you are the sort of person, who can not keep filling their mouth with something to chew on, try the cranberry pack. This 200 gm pack of dried cranberry is a huge dose of essential Vitamin C. Do not be alarmed; they taste great. The sweet and sour berries will blow you out of your mind.

There is a host of other healthy munchies available. Click here to know more about other healthy snacking ideas!