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The value of dry fruits
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During Ramadan dry fruits are consumed in plenty, they are good all year round
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Dry Treats They are rich in antioxidants
It’s the rich and nutritious dry fruit that is used to break the fast during the holy month of Ramzan, (Ramadan).
Dried dates and cashew nuts are more commonly used on this occasion. Raisins, cashew nuts, figs are wholesome and check acidity in an empty stomach. They also recharge the body with minerals like iron, calcium and potassium. Delicacies like Baklava, Konafa, and Atayef which have walnuts, apricots, raisins and prunes are eaten during Ramadan.
Fruits that have been dehydrated or canned naturally or mechanically, keeping all nutritional qualities, are almost equally dear as the fresh ones. Raisins, Dates, Fig, Cashew nut, Almond, Apricot, and Prune are the superstars of this category, which are a healthy alternative to fresh fruits. Because fresh fruits are perishable, many ways of preserving them have been devised. The easiest method of course is drying.
Bacteria fail to develop when the water in the fruit is below 25 per cent. The common drying agents are sun and hot air devices. Some fruits are soaked in sugar before drying. While drying, along with the removal of water, the fruit may lose water soluble Vitamin C and also Vitamin D. Many of the nutrients like dietary fibres, proteins and other phytochemicals are concentrated during drying process.
Drying of fruits does not change the calorie value, fibre content and mineral composition. Easy to carry along-with, a handful of dried fruits can give instant energy boost. As they contain natural sugars, mostly in easily digestible forms, like glucose and fructose, it quickly enters the blood stream as an immediate source of energy.
Raisins are dried grapes, prepared from wine grapes with a high sugar content and firm flesh. The best quality is used for table raisins, which are merely dried in the sun. Raisins have high calorie value and a fistful of raisins has about the same calories as a whole pound of grapes. They are helpful in anaemia and to gain body weight. Ayurveda recommends black raisins for the re-establishment of sexual vigour. Raisins are also a good remedy for constipation and are given to infants to help regular bowel action.
Dry dates contain 84 per cent of edible matter consisting of carbohydrates , dietary fibre , proteins and fats . They contain more natural sugars (glucose and fructose) than any other fruit. Dates are also a rich source of potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. Nicotine in dates is helpful for intestinal disturbances and is a good laxative.
Prunes are plums with high sugar content, and are cured by drying. After rupturing the skin, they are dried, either under the sun or artificially after which they are allowed to ‘sweat’ for a few weeks, and are finally graded and marketed.
All dried fruits are good source of antioxidants, with prunes having highest amount of antioxidants. Dried figs, in addition to their nutritive value have protein digesting enzymes and laxative properties, thus important in herbal medicine. Dried fig is an effective remedy for bilious diseases.
Almond are rich in fat (59 per cent) with 10 per cent carbohydrates and with no starch at all. It is also a rich source of potassium, calcium, and a fairly good amount of Vitamin B. Almond milk; a favourite beverage from its seeds is more nutritious than cow’s milk. With its easily digestible feature, this milk is good for infants. Almond is an excellent tonic for nervous system.
Dried fruits like apricot, peaches, and nectarines are treated with sulphur to prevent oxidation which turns them brown. This treatment also helps to retain the vitamin content of the dried fruit, especially Vitamins A and C.
JACOB VARGHESE
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