Dried berries, whether dried cranberries or any other berries, are not just a convenient snack but a nutrition-packed ingredient with enormous uses. With their tremendous health benefits, these dried berries must be on your list when you visit a grocery store near you.
If you think you know enough about these amazing foods, here are some surprising facts about them. Enjoy reading these facts while snacking on a handful of dried berries.
Amazing Facts About Cranberries and Other Dried Berries
Cranberries are Sweet When Dried
Fresh cranberries have quite a tart flavour. The sour and slightly bitter taste might not appeal to everyone. However, commercialised dried cranberries are sweet. That’s because sugar is added during the processing of dried cranberries to counteract the tartness and expedite the drying process.
You can snack on delicious dried cranberries, but you must look for the sugar content. Some brands may add a significant amount of sugar, which might impact your blood sugar levels, which is harmful if you have diabetes.
Dried Berries Have a Long Shelf Life
Dried berries are the same as fresh berries without the moisture. Fresh berries are dried using techniques such as sun-drying, shade-drying or freeze-drying to remove the moisture content. This makes the fruits more portable and improves their shelf life.
The removal of moisture from the berries makes them resistant to bacterial formation and rotting, making them last longer. By following the appropriate storage tips, you can further improve the shelf life of these tiny nutrient powerhouses.
They Offer Amazing Health Benefits
Dried berries are packed with essential nutrients and minerals. While dried cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidins, they are great for treating swellings. The anti-inflammatory agents in cranberries improve your gut and urinary tract health.
Similarly, dried blackberries contain vitamin K and calcium, which are necessary for maintaining bone health.
These dried versions of the berries are antioxidant-rich. Antioxidants are capable of removing harmful bacteria from the body. Meanwhile, vitamin C content is essential to boost your immune system.
Versatility in Consumption
While you can always pick a handful of dried berries for healthy snacking, they have an array of other applications. Their sweet-tart flavour and chewy texture make them a staple when baking delicacies. These tiny fruits can top muffins, cakes or cookies, and they can also be sprinkled over salads to make them flavourful.
You can even make healthy and delightful snacks like dry fruit laddoo or dry fruit bites to have between your meals.
The Evolution of Craisins
Did you know dried cranberries are also called craisins? While fresh cranberries are succulent enough, dried cranberries are wrinkled and resemble raisins, which is why they are called Craisins.
Conclusion
Dried cranberries, or any other berries, are more than just a tasty snack. They are a fusion of flavours and health. With their culinary versatility, dried cranberries make an excellent ingredient.
With the growing demand for dried berries, they are widely available in online and offline grocery stores near you. So, the next time you grab your dried berries, appreciate these facts.