Dried apricots - beneficial properties, recipes, treatment


Dried apricots are one of the healthiest and most valuable dried fruits. It is made from large varieties of apricots.
  • Composition and calorie content
  • Rules for selecting and storing dried apricots
      Sun-dried dried apricots
  • Sugar
  • Chocolate
  • Features of choice
  • The benefits of dried apricots
      Benefits for men
  • Benefits for women's health
  • Dried apricots for pregnant and lactating women
  • Dried apricots in baby food
  • Dried apricots help you lose weight
  • Treatment with dried apricots
  • Dried apricots for hair, nails and skin
  • Contraindications
  • Harm of dried apricots
  • How to prepare dried apricots yourself?
  • Rules for eating dried apricots
      Is it necessary to wash dried apricots before eating?
  • Daily norm
  • Can I use it before bed?
  • Dishes with dried apricots
      Rice
  • Salad
  • Jam
  • Kefir with dried apricots
  • Compote
  • Pilaf
  • Decoction
  • Casserole
  • Dried apricots in animal nutrition
  • 8 interesting facts
  • Dried apricots - what is it?

    Dried apricots are dried apricots from which the pits are removed before harvesting. The product may be light or dark brown or orange.

    On sale you can find 4 varieties of dried apricots:

    • Extra.
    • Higher.
    • First.
    • Dining room.

    Depending on the variety, the taste differs. The best dried apricots are considered “extra”. To be entitled to this name, all fruits must be clean, hard, elastic, large and bright.

    Apricots and dried apricots - what's the difference?

    Apricots are dried on a tree. It is torn off only after it dries. Thanks to this, it retains more minerals and vitamins. There is a seed in apricots, but there is none in dried apricots. In addition, apricots are brown, and dried apricots are orange.

    Where is there more benefit?

    Apricots are considered more useful, since processing is kept to a minimum. It, unlike dried apricots, is not removed from the tree until full maturity, the pit is not removed from it, it is not cut into pieces and is not treated with chemicals. Accordingly, the less the product has undergone external influences, the better.

    However, if you compare apricots, dried apricots and apricots, then the benefits are greater in the original fruits. A fresh natural product is always better than a dried one.

    Composition and calorie content

    Calories 241 Kcal

    • Fat:
      0.5 g
    • Proteins:
      3.4 g
    • Carbohydrates:
      62.6 g
    • Water:
      30.9 g
    • Ash:
      2.6 g
    • Fiber:
      7.3 g

    It is impossible to assess the benefits of a product without understanding which vitamins are contained in dried apricots and which are not.

    Vitamins: Quantity % of RDN
    Beta carotene 3500 mcg 70%
    Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) 5.5 mg 38%
    Vitamin A (retinol) 180 mcg 22%
    Vitamin B3 (PP, niacin) 3 mg 19%
    Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0.14 mg 11%
    Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 0.52 mg 10%
    Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 0.2 mg 10%
    Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 0.1 mg 8%
    Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 4.0 mg 4%
    Vitamin B4 (choline) 13.9 mg 2.8%
    Vitamin K 3.1 mcg 2.6%
    Vitamin B9 (folic acid) 10.0 mcg 2.5%
    Minerals (per 100 g): Quantity %RDN
    Chromium 59 mcg 59%
    Copper 0.343 mg 38%
    Iron 2.7 mg 27%
    Potassium 1162 mg 24%
    Magnesium 48 mg 12%
    Phosphorus 77 mg 11%
    Manganese 0.2 mg 10%
    Calcium 89 mg 9%
    Selenium 2.2 mcg 4%
    Zinc 0.4 mg 3.5%

    Full chemical composition of dried apricots ➤

    Dried apricot fruits are rich in fiber, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the digestive system. Thanks to their regular intake into the body, it will be possible to avoid constipation, cleanse yourself of toxins and waste, and improve liver function.

    Rules for selecting and storing dried apricots

    Our ancestors prepared dried apricots very simply. They selected healthy fruits and dried them in the sun. It took 7 days to obtain the original product. Dried apricots are prepared in a similar way today.

    To prepare 1 kg of organic dried apricots, you need 6 kg of fresh apricots. Unlike light translucent dried apricots, this dark variety costs several times more.

    Sun-dried dried apricots

    If the dried apricots look appetizing, very soft, clean and juicy, then there is no doubt that they have been treated with sulfur dioxide and other chemicals.

    Eating such fruits in large quantities is dangerous. Accumulating in the body, they can cause harm.

    Without exception, all dried dried apricots are also exposed to chemicals. Without them, it simply cannot be stored, as it will dry out.

    Sugar

    The amount of sugar in dried apricots is different. Moreover, a sweet product is not always the healthiest. For example, sour dried fruits have a healing effect, in particular, they can reduce migraines.

    If a package of dried fruit says “sugar dried apricots,” this does not mean that the product itself is very sweet. The manufacturer simply soaked the dried apricot with glucose syrup or sprinkled it with powdered sugar. Of course, any child would be happy to eat such a dessert, but the benefits from it will be much less than from ordinary dried apricots.

    Chocolate

    Chocolate dried apricots are a Turkish variety of dried apricot, but they have nothing in common with chocolate except color. According to the manufacturer, it is prepared without the use of any preservatives.

    Features of choice

    Natural dried apricots may vary in color. There are yellow and dark brown varieties, as well as all shades in between. The taste of this product is sweet and sour, but not cloying. It is largely determined by what type of apricot was used for drying. The technology for producing dried apricots is important.

    Asian is sweeter than products from the northern regions. It is bright with a rich taste. However, the best and healthiest is the one made from southern apricots.

    To buy a truly useful product, you need to adhere to the following rules:

    • There is no need to buy large dried apricots. The too bright color of dried fruit should alert you. If it is orange or bright red, then the manufacturer did not skimp on its treatment with chemicals.
    • Shiny dried apricots are not the best choice. The most harmless thing the seller could do was coat the dried fruits with vegetable oil. It is worse if the fruits have been treated with paraffin or other substances foreign to the human body.
    • You should not buy fruits that have a sweet or wine smell. They are either spoiled or have been treated with chemicals. The “correct” dried apricots smell like apricots.
    • It is not recommended to buy dried apricots cut into 2 parts. Most likely, it was made from spoiled fruits.
    • You should not stock up on dried apricots in large quantities. Dried fruits store better.

    If you purchased dried apricots that are rich orange or yellow in color, you do not need to throw them away. To rid dried fruits of sulfur compounds, it is enough to keep them in a preheated oven for about a minute.

    The benefits and harms of dried dried apricots for the body

    Dried dried apricots are one of the most common uses for dried apricots. This dried fruit is used as a dessert, addition to dishes or just as a snack. What beneficial properties do these dried apricots have?

    Dried dried apricots should be consumed by those who want to normalize blood pressure, increase hemoglobin levels, and increase the number of red blood cells in the blood. In case of anemia and anemia, dried apricots should also be present in the diet, because it prevents the formation of blood clots. People even have the trivial name for dried apricots “food for heart patients.”

    Cleansing from toxins, removing heavy metals and radionuclides - all these are also useful properties of dried apricots. Dried fruits have 9 times more fiber than fresh apricots. Dried apricots are a filling product and will quickly satisfy your hunger, so they should be consumed if you are on a diet.

    Dried dried apricots also have harmful properties. We all know that dried apricots are now dried using chemicals. Under the influence of these substances, dried apricots remain beautiful and fresh in appearance longer. But such desiccant agents tend to accumulate in the body, which can lead to allergies, poisoning and other negative consequences. The likelihood of infection of the bronchi and lungs increases.

    Unlimited consumption of dried fruit contributes to bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. You should not eat dried apricots if you have an ulcer or chronic gastritis.

    The benefits of dried apricots

    Due to the benefits that dried apricots have on the human body, they are included in diets designed to normalize metabolism, as well as cover the lack of vitamins and minerals.

    In oriental medicine, dried apricots have been used for a long time in the treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as it helps to cope with arrhythmia.

    Health benefits of dried apricots:

    • Increasing mental activity, reducing the negative impact of stress on the central nervous system. This is possible due to the fact that it contains B vitamins, vitamin K, magnesium and phosphorus, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain.
    • Help in treating the cardiovascular system. To cover the body's daily need for magnesium by 26% and potassium by 60%, you need to eat 100 g of dried apricots. People with a high risk of developing coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis and other pathologies associated with disorders of the myocardium should definitely include it in their diet. Dried apricots are included in the menu of patients with already diagnosed cardiovascular diseases.
    • Prevention of vision impairment, normalization of visual function in people with existing eye diseases. A lack of vitamin A often leads to such problems. Dried apricot pulp is its direct source (about 64% of the daily requirement per 100 g of product).
    • Normalization of intestinal function, relief from constipation. Dried apricots are a source of fiber and pectin, which act as natural sorbents and a kind of brush for the gastrointestinal tract. In the colon, dietary fiber absorbs all toxins and waste products, preventing them from being absorbed into the blood. Therefore, dried apricots are recommended to be included in the menu for people suffering from atonic constipation.
    • Prevention of cancer, slowing down the aging process. Dried apricots are not just a food product, but a source of antioxidants, one of which is alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). In clinical trials, it was proven that the inclusion of dried apricot fruits in the menu reduces the risk of developing colon cancer by 15%. Scientists also noted a decrease in the effect of oxidative stress on cells, which leads to a slowdown in their aging.
    • Loss of body weight. Excess weight goes away, as food digestion processes are normalized, the contents of the intestines are evacuated in a timely manner, and the person is no longer plagued by constipation. However, obese people should consume this product in moderation, as it is a source of sugar.
    • Increased vitality. Dried apricots act as a natural energy drink. Its regular consumption gives you energy and makes it easier to endure physical activity. These effects are ensured by the content of vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin K, magnesium and potassium. This product should be added to the diet not only of athletes, but also of ordinary people who want to stay active and energetic.
    • Reduced blood pressure. Its stabilization occurs by replenishing the lack of magnesium and potassium. Therefore, dried apricots are one of the most important food products for hypertensive patients.
    • Removing intoxication from the body. Dried apricots remove heavy metals and radionuclides.
    • Increased iron levels in the blood. This microelement is necessary for normal hemoglobin production. With regular consumption of dried apricots, you can prevent the development of anemia, as well as cope with an existing disease.
    • Prevention of bone tissue destruction and the development of osteoporosis. Dried apricots are useful for eating by women over 45 years of age, children during a period of active growth, and people recovering from bone injuries.

    Despite all the beneficial properties of dried apricots, they should be consumed in moderation.

    Benefits for men

    The main indicator of male sexual health is normal sexual desire. The vitamins and microelements contained in dried apricots normalize blood circulation in the body. The organs of the genitourinary system are no exception. Therefore, dried apricots are included in the diet of families in which a new addition is planned. It is known that dried fruits are considered a natural aphrodisiac that enhances libido, so the benefits of dried apricots for men are obvious.

    Benefits for women's health

    Dried apricots are a natural substitute for vitamin and mineral complexes. Therefore, it should definitely be used by women planning a pregnancy. Being a source of fiber and pectin, dried fruits help cope with constipation, which often becomes a real problem when carrying a child. Another argument in favor of dried apricots for women is its ability to prevent the development of anemia.

    Dried apricots for pregnant and lactating women

    Reasons why dried apricots should be included in the diet of lactating and pregnant women:

    • Dried apricots prevent a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood.
    • In winter, it acts as a valuable source of vitamins.
    • Dried apricot fruits prevent constipation.
    • Dried apricots ease the course of toxicosis.
    • Dried fruits prevent the formation of edema.

    Dried apricots in baby food

    Dried apricots are a valuable source of energy for children. With its help, you can replenish vitamin reserves, which are consumed very quickly in a child’s body.

    Children need potassium contained in dried apricots for normal growth and development of bones and muscles. 10-15 g of apricot per day is enough for the child to study better and get less tired.

    You can introduce dried apricots into your diet from the age of six months.

    Dried apricots help you lose weight

    A person who is overweight should include dried apricots in their menu. Perhaps someone is confused by the fact that it contains a lot of sugar. But, despite the fact that the fruits are high in calories, they quickly satisfy hunger and normalize digestion.

    Dried apricots are a source of energy and do not contain unhealthy fats. Its inclusion in the diet allows you to remove excess water. Therefore, dried apricots can be safely used as an alternative to desserts, but they should be consumed in moderation.

    [Video] Why dried apricots should be consumed every day:

    Useful properties of dried apricots

    Due to the content of a large number of micro- and macroelements, dried fruits have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole. Dried apricots improve skin condition, remove toxins and waste from the body, and help strengthen the immune system. Recommended for use by people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system and diabetes. They are able to remove excess cholesterol from the body.

    For diabetes, doctors recommend consuming this product because it normalizes the functioning of the pancreas, helping the production of insulin. Regular consumption helps with anemia by combating blockage of blood vessels. The benefits of dried apricots for the body are limitless, since it improves vision, normalizes metabolic processes in the body, improves the functioning of the thyroid gland, and prevents the development of osteoporosis.

    Dried apricot decoction

    Dried apricots can be used to prepare a decoction of dried apricots to treat constipation in children. To do this you need to take:

    • 1 liter of water;
    • 100 g dried fruits.
    1. Before cooking, dry fruits are thoroughly washed, then soaked in water for half an hour to soften well.
    2. Then place in warm water, bring to a boil over low heat, leave for an hour.

    To prepare a decoction for making ice for cosmetic purposes, you need to take:

    • 1 liter of water;
    • 500 g dried apricots;
    • mint;
    • Melissa.
    1. The washed dried fruits are poured with water and boiled for 20 minutes, after which a pinch of mint and lemon balm is added.
    2. Then the broth must be left on the fire for another 15 minutes.
    3. The prepared mixture is removed and poured into molds for freezing.
    4. The resulting ice is rubbed onto the skin of the face and décolleté to give it elasticity and a healthy appearance.​

    Infusion of dried apricots

    To maximize the preservation of all the nutrients of dried fruits, prepare an infusion of dried apricots. For this purpose, the fruits are thoroughly washed and then poured with boiled water. Leave to infuse for at least 5 hours. It is preferable to use the infusion if there are cardiovascular diseases or kidney problems. The infusion has a mild diuretic effect, helping to relieve swelling.

    Dried apricots for the stomach

    If you do not overuse dried apricots, then dried apricots for the stomach will be useful for improving digestion. It can be used as decoctions and infusions. In addition, dried fruits have proven themselves well in dietary cooking - they can be added to cereals and desserts. Dried apricot improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, prevents the development of constipation, and improves metabolism. Excessive consumption, on the contrary, harms the gastrointestinal tract.

    Benefits of dried apricots for the heart

    Sodium, potassium and magnesium contained in dried fruits make dried apricots indispensable for the heart. It helps with atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, spasms in blood vessels. It will help hypertensive patients fight high blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, there are contraindications - dried fruits can be consumed in minimal quantities. Iron, which dried apricots are rich in, helps increase hemoglobin levels.

    • Cocktails for weight gain
    • How to tell fortunes by hand
    • Throbbing pain in the head - causes and treatment

    Treatment with dried apricots

    Disease Features of application and benefits
    Diabetes Patients with diabetes can eat up to 2 slices per day without harm to health. People with type 2 diabetes can consume dried apricots only in small portions, after consulting a specialist. Preference should be given to sour varieties.

    Type 1 diabetes – 50 g per day.

    Type 2 diabetes – 100 g per day (commercially prepared dried apricots are not recommended).

    Dried apricots are a source of vitamins and minerals necessary for people with diabetes. You need to eat it in moderation. However, doctors do not prohibit it from their patients, since the product has a glycemic index of 35 units. This does not exceed the normal limit, which means it does not lead to a sharp jump in blood sugar.

    Pancreatitis The permissible daily intake is 80 g.

    During the acute phase, you can drink compotes and infusions based on dried apricots.

    When improvement occurs, ground dried fruits are added to jellies, mousses, and jellies.

    During remission, jam is prepared from dried apricots, which helps normalize digestion and replenish the lack of potassium in the body. It can also be added to porridge, meat dishes, casseroles, pilaf, and pies.

    Gastritis In the morning, it is recommended to drink 1/2 cup of warm dried apricot decoction. You can also eat rice porridge with dried fruits. A single serving is 200 g.

    In the acute phase, dried apricots are avoided; you cannot eat them on an empty stomach. The daily norm for patients with gastritis is 3 large fruits.

    Bowel diseases Dried apricots are useful for constipation. It can be used as a replacement for laxatives. It works softly. It is better to eat it at night to feel the effect in the morning. Recipe for constipation:
    • Mix equal parts dried apricots, figs and prunes, add a little honey.
    • Use 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

    Potassium and pectin contained in dried apricots help stool move through the intestines and also normalize water balance, preventing constipation.

    Gout Treatment regimen:
    • Use 1 tbsp. l. dried apricots, minced in a meat grinder.
    • Follow this recommendation for a month.
    • Take a break of 14 days and repeat the course again. For gout, 6 cycles will be required.

    Dried apricots help the kidneys remove uric acid from the body; it does not accumulate in the joints, which makes it possible to avoid attacks of the disease. You should not exceed the recommended dose, since dried apricots contain purines that can lead to an exacerbation of gout.

    Liver diseases Recipe:
    • Pour 1 liter of water into 10 dried fruits.
    • Leave to infuse for 12 hours.
    • Drink a glass of infusion in the morning, before meals, 30 minutes before your first meal.
    • Divide the remaining volume into 3 equal parts and drink throughout the day.
    • The fruits are not thrown away, they are eaten.
    • You need to drink this decoction every day for a month, then take a break for 10 days and repeat again.

    It has been proven that regular consumption of dried apricots can prevent liver cancer. It contains phenolic compounds that lower cholesterol levels. It is beneficial for both the hepatobiliary and cardiovascular systems.

    Haemorrhoids Dried apricots act as a natural laxative, so they are eaten for easy passage of feces, without damaging the affected areas of the rectum.
    Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis Recommendations:
    • Every day at lunch, eat a serving of buckwheat porridge with dried apricots and raisins in the amount of 200 g.
    • Drink 1/2 cup of dried apricot decoction 2 times a day.

    Dried fruits normalize the flow of bile and stimulate the digestion process. Treatment is refused only during exacerbation of cholecystitis.

    Diverticulosis You need to eat 3-4 large dried apricots every morning, washed down with water. After 30 minutes you can start breakfast.
    Cancer Every morning you need to eat 10 dried apricots. It is steamed first. The course lasts 3 weeks with a break of 7 days.

    Dried apricots are not a substitute for medication correction. Before taking it in such quantities, you should consult your doctor.

    Prevention of cardiovascular diseases Three times a day drink 1/2 cup of dried apricot infusion. The course should last 3 weeks with a break of 7 days.

    Dried apricots are a source of magnesium and potassium, which are necessary for the heart muscle.

    Anemia Reception scheme:
    • Mix dried apricots with nuts, raisins and honey.
    • In the morning on an empty stomach, take 2 tbsp. l. mixtures.
    • Continue the course for 3-4 weeks.
    • Repeat it in autumn and spring.
    Joints and spine To reduce pain:
    • Mix 5 dried apricots with 1 fig and 1 prune.
    • Eat the entire portion in the morning, before breakfast.
    • Continue taking for 45 days.

    The first signs of improvement in well-being will appear within a week.

    Edema Recipe:
    • Prepare an infusion with dried apricots.
    • Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day before meals.
    • The drink is heated before drinking.
    Removing salts from the body Recommendations:
    • Prepare Amosov’s mixture, which includes: dried apricots, raisins, prunes, walnuts, lemon and honey. All components are taken in equal quantities.
    • Use a mixture of 2 tbsp. l. per day on an empty stomach.
    • The duration of the course is 14 days, then you need to stop for a week and repeat the mixture.
    Constipation
    • Mix equal amounts of dried apricots, figs and prunes.
    • Grind dried fruits in a meat grinder.

    Take the mixture 3-4 times a day, one tablespoon at a time.

    Heart
    • Mix 200 g of dried apricots, rose hips, prunes, raisins and walnuts.
    • Add 3 lemons.
    • Pass all components through a meat grinder.
    • Add honey in the amount of 150 g.
    • Place in the refrigerator and let it brew for 10 days.

    Take the mixture in the morning, before meals, 1 tbsp. l.

    Low hemoglobin
    • Mix dried apricots, cranberries and prunes.
    • Pass through a meat grinder.
    • Add 1 cup each of honey and lemon juice to the mixture.

    Take the medicine after meals 2 times a day. Amount for 1 dose – 1 tbsp. l.

    Cleansing the body
    • Mix 2 parts prunes, 2 parts dried apricots and 1 part walnuts.
    • Pass through a meat grinder.
    • Add 3 tablespoons of honey.
    • Place in the refrigerator.

    The mixture is taken 1 tbsp. l. in the morning and in the evening.

    [Video] For what diseases are dried apricots used, and how:

    Traditional medicine recipes

    1. To strengthen the immune system, especially in autumn and winter, it is recommended to take the following mixture: take 200 grams of dried apricots, walnuts and prunes. Grind the products in a meat grinder or grind in a blender, add a glass of honey and mix well. Take 2–3 tablespoons daily.

    Do you know about the benefits of prunes for the human body? Read the advice of traditional medicine in the current article.

    The medicinal properties of wormwood are written here.

    On the page: https://netlekarstvam.com/narodnye-sredstva/lekarstvennye-rasteniya/podorozhnik.html it is written about the benefits of plantain seeds for men.

    This composition will not only increase the body's resistance, but also relieve seasonal depression and give vitality.

    2. To strengthen the immune system, you can make the following composition: prepare walnuts, raisins, dried apricots and honey in equal proportions. Grind the products in a blender or meat grinder, mix everything. Add one chopped lemon (along with zest). Store the resulting mixture in the refrigerator. Dosage : a tablespoon twice a day. Children should take a teaspoon twice a day.

    3. A drink made from dried apricots is taken as the only product during fasting days. Take 300 grams of dried fruit, add a little boiling water to it and mash it into a puree. Pour half a liter of peach juice into the resulting mixture. This drink is worth drinking during a fasting day. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and will help tighten your figure.

    Dried apricots for hair, nails and skin

    Eating dried apricots allows you to maintain the beauty and health of your skin, nails and hair. This is possible due to the fact that it is a source of vitamin A.

    Masks with dried apricots can be used for different skin types. They will saturate it with B vitamins, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin P. The use of masks based on dried apricots allows you to get rid of inflammation and make wrinkles less noticeable. Shredded dried apricots can be added to any mask as an active ingredient.

    Contraindications

    Contraindications for eating dried apricots:

    • Low blood pressure. Dried apricots can aggravate the problem, so hypotensive patients should take it little by little. If the pressure is very low, then the product is discarded.
    • Obesity. If you are overweight, you can eat dried apricots only during fasting days, using it for a light snack.
    • Diabetes. There is no need to give up dried apricots, but their quantity is limited. If in doubt, it is better to consult a specialist.
    • Allergy. Individual intolerance to the product is a reason to exclude dried apricots from the diet.

    Harm and benefits of dried apricot infusion

    To preserve the beneficial properties of dried apricots, you need to know how to cook it correctly. Infusion of dried apricots has no less beneficial properties than compote or decoction. In order not to harm your body, it is better to prepare the infusion in cold water.

    Decoctions of dried apricots contribute to:

    • improving women's health;
    • reducing the amount of cholesterol and toxins in the body;
    • eliminating constipation;
    • normalize the state of beneficial microflora.

    When using a decoction of dried apricots, it is worth remembering its contraindications:

    • intestinal obstruction;
    • gastritis;
    • peptic ulcers;
    • diabetes.

    Video on the topic:

    Harm of dried apricots

    Dried apricots cope well with constipation, but if there are disturbances in the intestines, it can lead to increased gas formation. The reason for this is sugar and dietary fiber. By eating them, bacteria living in the intestines stimulate increased release of gases. Therefore, it is not surprising that after dried apricots you may feel some discomfort.

    You can cope with the problem using ordinary water. Fluid helps your intestines work better, reducing bloating.

    Store-bought dried apricots can cause harm to the body. On an industrial scale, sulfur dioxide is used to dry it. During sulfurization, apricot fruits are doused with sulfur vapor. This procedure lasts for 8-12 hours. If they are collected immature, then this time is increased to 20 hours. This treatment extends the shelf life of the product and improves its presentation. Sulfur dioxide can be replaced with sodium or potassium sulfite salts.

    E220 - this inscription on the package of dried apricots means that it was treated with sulfur fumes. The maximum preservative content should not exceed 0.2%.

    However, in pursuit of profit, unscrupulous entrepreneurs may not comply with these requirements. As a result, the rate often exceeds 0.3%, which is hazardous to health. Children's bodies are especially vulnerable to sulfur dioxide. The preservative can cause no less harm to older people.

    Eating such fruits risks the development of food poisoning and symptoms of general intoxication of the body.

    The benefits and harms of chocolate dried apricots

    In fact, these are not dried apricots covered in chocolate. The dried fruit got its name for its sweetish taste, reminiscent of chocolate. The taste of such dried apricots is richer than usual and does not sour at all. The appearance is also different. Chocolate dried apricots are darker, with a slightly gray coating. Although the appearance leaves much to be desired, such dried apricots cost 2 times more than usual. This is due to the enormous number of useful properties.

    The benefits of chocolate dried apricots include:

    • diuretic function;
    • cancer prevention;
    • normalization of metabolism;
    • removal of toxins, heavy metals;
    • eliminating constipation;
    • prevention of strokes and heart attacks;
    • increased hemoglobin levels;
    • lowering cholesterol levels;
    • improving the functioning of the kidneys and thyroid glands;
    • stabilization of hormonal levels;
    • removal of edema;
    • relief of diabetes mellitus;
    • strengthening the musculoskeletal system;
    • improved vision;
    • calming effect;
    • slowing down the aging process;
    • improving the condition of skin, hair and nails.

    Read: Benefits and harms of dried prunes

    In addition to all this, dried apricots are a dietary product. It is recommended to eat it during periods of nervous disorders.

    Do not forget about the dangers of the product. You should not eat chocolate dried apricots if:

    • individual intolerance;
    • disruption of water-salt metabolism in the body;
    • serious kidney disease;
    • gastritis with high acidity;
    • ulcers and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

    Hypotensive patients should not overuse dried apricots. You should give preference only to natural dried fruits. Dried apricots with an unnatural color are only harmful to health. It can lead to poisoning and can provoke bronchial asthma.

    Video on the topic:

    How to prepare dried apricots yourself?

    To dry apricot fruits yourself, you need to find a clean place with direct access to sunlight. This could be a balcony or a rooftop.

    Procurement stages:

    1. Wash the collected fruits, cut them into 2 parts and remove the stone.
    2. Place the apricot halves in a well-ventilated place.
    3. Place them on a wire rack and leave them in the sun.
    4. Place indoors overnight.

    After two weeks, the apricots will dry out and turn into dried apricots. Another drying option is to string the fruits on a thread or stick. In this form they can be dried even without the sun, just in a well-ventilated area.

    [Video] an easy way to make dried apricots at home:

    Rules for eating dried apricots

    Dried apricots need to be washed or soaked before eating. It is consumed as an independent product or added to various dishes.

    Kisel and compote are cooked with dried apricots; it is used for making baked goods and desserts. In the East, dried apricots are seasoned with spicy spices.

    You can add dried apricots to meat dishes; they make them more aromatic and give them a pleasant sweet and sour taste. Salads are prepared with dried apricots, porridge is cooked, and yoghurt is made.

    Is it necessary to wash dried apricots before eating?

    You should not eat dirty dried apricots. It is washed under running water, washing away dust and dirt with your hands. After washing, it is doused with hot water from a kettle.

    Store-bought dried apricots are washed especially carefully to remove preservatives from them. It is soaked in warm water for 30 minutes, after which it is rinsed again.

    Daily norm

    100 g of dried apricots per day is enough for an adult. This norm should not be exceeded so as not to provoke intestinal upset.

    Can I use it before bed?

    You can eat dried apricots before bed, but in moderation. The exception is people who adhere to a dietary diet. They should consume dried apricots during the day or in the morning.

    Contraindications and possible harm

    Doctors do not advise eating dried apricots for the following diseases:

    • chronic pathologies of the digestive system (gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis);
    • obesity - occasionally nutritionists recommend fasting days based on apricots;
    • diabetes mellitus - only after the doctor’s permission, observing a safe dose;
    • allergic reactions to dried fruits (itching, swelling);
    • arterial hypotension.

    Pregnant women and nursing mothers should limit the amount of dried apricots. The norm for a healthy person is 100–150 g of fruit per day. Exceeding the dose can cause digestive system disorders.

    It is better to eat dried apricots in the first half of the day, before 16.00, then all nutrients are successfully absorbed.

    When buying dried fruits, you need to pay attention to their appearance. To increase shelf life and give the fruits a bright color, they are treated with chemical solutions. Therefore, before eating, you need to rinse the apricots several times, or even better, soak them in water for 10–15 minutes.

    Then dried apricots will delight you with beneficial properties, lift your spirits and help strengthen your immune system.
    Share:

    Dishes with dried apricots

    Rice

    Products:

    • 200 g rice.
    • Glass of water.
    • 40 g dried apricots.
    • 25 g raisins.

    How to cook:

    Rinse the rice until the water becomes clear and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes. Dried apricots and raisins need to be washed and dried. Bring the rice to a boil, reduce the heat and cook until fully cooked. Place the porridge on a dish, sprinkle with chopped dried apricots and raisins.

    Salad

    Products:

    • 1 apple.
    • 2 beets.
    • 10 pieces of dried apricots.
    • 3 tablespoons of walnuts.
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
    • 3 tablespoons of sour cream.

    Cooking method:

    Bake the beets in the oven, peel and bone the apple, soak the dried apricots for 20 minutes. Chop the nuts. Cut vegetables and fruits into strips. Mix all ingredients, season with sour cream and mustard.

    Jam

    Products:

    • Half a kilo of dried apricots.
    • 2 cups sugar.
    • 3.5 glasses of water.
    • 2 tablespoons lemon.

    How to cook:

    Place clean chopped dried apricots in a multicooker, add water and sugar to the bowl, stir. Leave to cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. After cooking is complete, pour lemon juice into the jam and turn on the appliance for another 2 hours. Place the jam in jars and roll up.

    Kefir with dried apricots

    Cooking method:

    1. Buy 1 liter of low-fat kefir.
    2. Pour 50 g of dried apricots into it and mix.
    3. Drink a glass a day.

    Compote

    Products:

    • 0.3 kg dried apricots.
    • 6 tablespoons of sugar.
    • 2.5 liters of water.

    How to cook:

    Dried apricots are poured with boiling water, left for 10 minutes, washed, chopped, placed in a saucepan, cold water and sugar are added. Cook after boiling for about 5 minutes.

    Pilaf

    Products:

    • 2.5 cups long grain rice.
    • 0.5 kg of meat.
    • 3 carrots.
    • 3 onions.
    • Melted butter.
    • 1/2 cup dried apricots.
    • A pinch of cardamom.
    • Saffron.
    • Salt and sugar.

    How to cook:

    Heat the oil in a cauldron, peel and chop the onions and carrots, fry them for 5 minutes. Add washed dried apricots to the vegetables, salt, add spices, simmer for another 5 minutes. Add rice, fill it with water so that it is 5 cm higher than it. Close the lid and simmer over low heat for about half an hour.

    Decoction

    Cooking method:

    1. Soak 100 g of dried apricots for 10 minutes in warm water, rinse.
    2. Pour in 1 liter of water and bring to a boil.
    3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

    Drink a glass 3 times a day after meals.

    Casserole

    Products:

    • 0.5 kg of cottage cheese.
    • 10 pieces. dried apricots.
    • 3 eggs.
    • 2 tbsp. l. semolina.
    • 150 ml 0% fat yoghurt.

    Cooking method:

    Mix cottage cheese with chopped dried apricots, semolina, yogurt and eggs. Place in a baking dish. Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for 20 minutes.

    Rating
    ( 1 rating, average 5 out of 5 )
    Did you like the article? Share with friends:
    For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
    Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]