Creating dehydrated fruit snacks at home is straightforward, with fruit being the sole ingredient required. To begin, preheat your electric oven to between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. Preparing these snacks at home not only provides a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional options like biscuits, crisps, and chocolate bars, but also ensures you can enjoy these treats year-round.
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These snacks can be created by mixing simple ingredients. For instance, make a date paste, combine it with a dry oat mixture, and press the mix into a lined square baking pan. To encourage children to eat healthily, offer them a range of brightly colored fruits and vegetables cut into different shapes or with funny faces drawn on them. For fruits like beans, trim and remove the strings if necessary, blanch in boiling water for a few minutes, then shock in an ice bath to preserve their texture and nutrients.
Dried cranberries are versatile and can be added to baking recipes, cereals, salads, and trail mixes. The fruits are carefully chosen and undergo a natural drying process, often coming from organic origins. Moreover, when selecting snacks, consider those that are sustainably produced and free from common allergens like gluten and nuts. These snacks are often available in eco-friendly paper packaging, making them convenient for on-the-go snacking or as a quick desk-side treat.
For a more substantial snack, try energy balls made from a blend of dried fruits such as dates, cranberries, and apricots with nuts, seeds, and a touch of honey. These can serve as a nutritious snack or a sweet dessert. Pregnant women may find that eating figs, which are high in fiber, can help alleviate constipation.
While dried fruits are beneficial, it’s essential to be mindful of their sugar content. Public Health England classifies the sugars in these products as ‘free sugars,’ which include purees, concentrates, juices, and extruded fruit or added sugars by coating or flavoring — all of which can contribute to health issues such as obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and tooth decay. Therefore, it’s crucial to enjoy these snacks in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
