DRIED FRUITS
INTRODUCTION One of the oldest forms of food preservation is drying. Drying foods at home to supplement a food storage program is a form of food preservation that is easy to do, as well as safe (if done properly). It is also an option to purchase commercially prepared dried fruit, and it is most often freeze dried, although it is possible to purchase commercially dehydrated fruits as well. Any one of these “dried” fruit choices provides a food that is sweet and full of flavor. Freeze dried fruits, while sweet, bright, and full of flavor, are also the most expensive option of the dried fruit choices available. The drying of fruit is a tradition that has found a permanent place in today’s market. The following sections will give more information regarding storage and nutrition.
QUALITY & PURCHASE
apricots, raisins, craisins, and prunes. When possible, it is best to keep the fruit in the original package. If that becomes a problem, transferring the fruit to another airtight container is perfectly acceptable. Recent studies at Brigham Young University indicated a wide variation in head space oxygen levels and can seam quality of dehydrated apple slices packaged for long-term storage and available for sale at the retail level. Manufacturers need to
A wide variety of dried fruit is available at local grocery stores,
ensure proper packaging to optimize product quality during
as well as through food storage distributors, depending on
extended storage (Oesterle, Ogden & Pike, 2003).
the quantity, form of drying, and type of packaging you are interested in purchasing. Most commercial food storage distributors will sell their products in No. 10 cans with an oxygen absorber. Note: It is generally not a good idea to store the fruit that you personally dried for long term. While it is possible to get it dry enough, many have trouble with mold.
STORAGE CONDITIONS & SHELF LIFE Dried foods are susceptible to insect contamination and moisture re-absorption and must be properly packaged and stored immediately. Dried fruits prepared in No. 10 cans typically have a much longer shelf life. Some manufacturers report a 25-year shelf life. When storing home dried fruits, the following guidelines from
PACKAGING
the National Center for Home Food Preservation will
Most dried fruit comes in packages that are re-sealable or
be helpful:
in single serving boxes. The most common are apples, dried DRIED FOOD STORAGE
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