Fun Facts: Dried Fruit

• When ancient Egyptian kings died, dried fruits were buried in their tombs with their treasures.
• By weight, dried fruit contains up to 3.5 times the fiber, vitamins and minerals of fresh fruit.

Apples

• One pound of dried apples equals 4-1/3 cups; 8 cups cooked.

Apricots

• One pound of dried apricots equals 2-3/4 cups; 5-1/2 cups cooked.

• The kernels of the apricot pit are used in confections and to flavor liqueurs. However, until roasted, apricot kernels are poisonous.

Coconuts

• The coconut palm tree yields thousands of coconuts during it lifespan of about 70 years.

Currants

• One pound of dried currants equals 3-1/4 cups.

Dates

• Dates grow in thick clusters on the giant date palm tree and have a history dating back 5000 years.
• Dates can be stored, airtight at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months or up to a year in the refrigerator. Dates are a good source of protein and iron.

Ginger

• Ginger is often credited with possessing calming properties as well, and has been used through the ages as a digestive aid.

Pineapple

• The generic name of pineapple “Ananas” was derived from an Indian name, “Nana”, meaning fragrance. The first explorers thought the fruit resembled a pine cone and it came to be known as “Pine of the Indies”. “Apple” was added by the English to associate it with juicy delectable fruits.

Prunes

• Use prunes as a fat replacement in baked goods. They are high in fiber. Their ability to entrap moisture along with their natural fructose and glucose helps keep baked goods fresh and moist for an extended shelf life.
• One pound of dried prunes equals 2-1/2 cups; 4 to 4-1/2 cups cooked.

Raisins

• Raisins are dried grapes. Both dark and golden seedless raisins can be made from Thompson seedless grapes, but golden raisins have been treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve their light color.