Apricot Bites add a Sunny Sweetness

How about a snack that you can have and still feel good … about your body. Jam-packed with good health and a burst of sweet fruity flavour and goodness? Let me introduce you to a new delight of little apricot bites … as pretty as a picture, just look at those sunny gold balls.

The Origin of Apricots

The fruit originates from central Asia but, the further traders and explorers spread, the more apricots reached people far and wide, making them one of the most popular fruits in existence today. It is a bit too strong for my liking.

The Rise of Dehydrated Fruits

Preserving fruits for the morrow is themselves as primitive as man. Sun drying is nothing but an anteroom of the act… Freeze drying is just another aspect; sun drying is likewise one of the watchfaces of time.

Why Freeze Drying Stands Out

And as to keeping the flavour and nutritional value, the way to go is to freeze-dry the fruit, because colour, flavour and nutrients are preserved that are not with drying and cooking – all that stuff gets locked in.

The Dehydration Process and Its Impact on Fruits

Drying out the fruit prolongs its shelf life while, in the process of dehydration, most of the nutrients are lost. In the case of freeze-drying, the favourable constituents of the fruit do not deteriorate, as they would in conventional dryers that heat up the fruit to an extreme.

Benefits of Apricot Bites

Nutritional Value

Apricots carry vitamins A, C, D and E, not to mention trace minerals. When shrivelled into freeze-dried nuggests, they become very nutrient-dense bites. A superb snack.

Convenience for On-the-Go Snacking

When travelling or working, hunger strikes – with apricot bites, which are delicious and have a light feel and are easy to carry, hunger is never far away and you always have a little boost of energy that’s quick to make, store in your pocket or bag.

How to Make Freeze-Dried Apricot Bites

Selecting the Right Apricots

Start with fresh, good-quality apricots. You’ll get out only what you put in.

The Freezing Process

Be sure to quick-freeze the apricots; that will maintain the cellular structure so that the fruit won’t turn to mush as it’s dried.

The Drying Stage

Via that connection, the vacuum sucks the crystallised water out of the apricot directly into vapour, leaving a crunchy sweet dried apricot.

Incorporating Apricot Bites into Your Diet

Besides for snacking, sprinkle them over yogurt, put them in oatmeal or throw them in your smoothie – the options are endless.

Comparing Apricot Bites with Other Dehydrated Fruits

All dried fruits were an improvement on the tough skin of fresh fruit, but only dried apricots seemed to be irrevocably sugary and soft-as-snow by birth.

Storing Tips and Shelf Life

Store in a cool, dry place. They should last months, maybe years, if kept safe.

Conclusion

Sun-ripened apricot morsels whose blushing pulp is splashed with golden juice, prove a nutritious as well as delicious morsel for the gourmand who prizes health as well as flavour. Bite into a sunbeam to-day!

FAQs

How do freeze-dried apricot bites differ from traditionally dried ones?

The nutrients are still all there, and more so than in traditional drying, where nutrients do get lost. Also, the texture and flavour of freeze-dried food can’t really be beat.

Can I use apricot bites in cooking?

Absolutely! They can be rehydrated or used as they are in various dishes.

Are there any additives in freeze-dried apricot bites?

The best-quality freeze-dried apricot bites contain very few, or no, added ingredients at the time of processing, and people should always check the labels before buying to ensure this is the case.

Is there a difference in calorie content between fresh and dried apricots?

Dried apricots are more calorie-dense due to the absence of water.

How long do apricot bites last?

Stored properly, they can last for up to a year or even longer.