Dried and dehydrated fruit

The different types of dried fruit

Dried fruit can be of two types: nuts, containing few sugars and instead rich in fat, while pulpy fruit is a dehydrated fruit rich in sugar and low in fat.

Some examples of dried nuts are hazelnuts and almonds>, along with coconuts and chestnuts. Nuts are also called 'lipidic', as they are characterized by a high fat content (about 90%). However, these are “good” fats, generally from the Omega-3 and Omega-6 series, which help to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, thus reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases

Pulpy dried fruit, on the other hand, includes fruits such as apricots, plums or dates. It is a fruit rich in proteins and minerals that contains a high number of sugars and fibers, with almost no fat

Dried fruit: some ideas on how to use it in the kitchen

Although dried fruit is excellent to consume unchanged, it can be an excellent basic ingredient for quick and easy recipes, beginner-proof!

For a tasty and nutritious smoothie, you only need 10 minutes. In a 600 ml carafe, place the ingredients in this order: 45 g of ice cubes, 1 frozen banana peeled and cut in half, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 1 date and finally 240 ml of sugar-free rice milk. Once all the ingredients have been inserted, mix everything starting at the minimum speed and then gradually reaching the maximum speed. Finally, mix for about 30 seconds, or until desired consistency. If you want to get the most energy out of your smoothie, you can add your favorite protein powder or instant coffee

Another easy recipe to take advantage of the properties of dried fruit is that of a homemade muesli, ready in just 2 minutes. All you need are oat flakes, nuts and mixed seeds (such as pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds). You can thus personalize your raw muesli by including your favorite ingredients. Place them all inside an airtight glass jar, keeping it in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight or heat sources. To calibrate the right doses of nutrients for your breakfast, try to insert the various parts in the same amount, so that you have a balanced muesli in which all the flavors can be enjoyed equally