Organic dried fruit

Not everyone enjoys dried fruit. But I do. Don’t get me wrong; given the choice I’ll usually reach for a fresh organic apple in preference to the dried alternative. But there are times when dried fruit comes in handy. One example that springs to mind is when I’m out hiking or tramping. Generally speaking, when I’m out hiking – usually in mountainous terrain – the last thing I want to be doing is carting around bulky provisions. Instead, I want food that’s light, nutritious, calorie dense and – if at all possible – tasty. Dried fruit fits the bill.

Drying fruit is an ancient tradition. The Egyptians, Greeks, Phoenicians and Persians used drying techniques to preserve highly perishable foods such as grapes, prunes and figs. According to the Greek Historian, Theodore Vallis, competitions were routinely held in parts of Ancient Greece to identify those within society most adept at maintaining the vigour and colour of seasonal fruits. Those who were judged capable of displaying counter-seasonal varieties with superb form, texture and taste were able to profit in both an economic and social sense.

While drying fruit with aplomb is unlikely to result in a speedy ascension to the top of society in today’s fast-paced world full of gimmicks and gadgetry, it’s interesting to note that many of the preservation techniques used by today’s organic food processors are identical to those practiced and mastered by our ancient friends. 

Enough history – what about the nutritional value of dried fruit? In general, dried fruit is high in dietary fibre, low in fat and cholesterol, and provides an excellent source of anti-oxidants. While the drying process generally results in a small reduction in water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C, the fat-soluble nutrients such as potassium and beta-carotene are capable of withstanding the drying process and remain in significant quantities.

Sulphur dioxide – a potential hazard

One potential concern for those suffering from allergies, and particularly for children with asthma, relates to the large quantities of sulphur dioxide routinely used in conventionally dried fruit. Although sulphur dioxide speeds the preservation process and ensures fruit retains its bright (almost fluorescent) colour, sulphur dioxide has been found to be harmful to children, particularly for those suffering from asthma and/or food sensitivities. If you’re keen to avoid sulphur dioxide for health reasons, make sure you read all labels carefully. The presence of Preservative 220 (221,222, 223, 224, 225) is another way conventional food processors legally acknowledge the presence of Sulphur Dioxide within their products. Be vigilant.

Unlike conventionally dried fruit, organic dried fruit undergoes a natural drying process. The use of sulphur dioxide is specifically banned. No additives, colours or preservatives are used. And obviously, the fruit used is organic. This might not seem too important until you realize that approximately two thirds of all dried fruit sampled in a United Kingdom Government-led 2005 study was found to contain significant levels of trace pesticides.

Buying and storing dried fruit

For some, the darker (less fluorescent) colour of organic dried fruit comes as a shock. Many of us have become accustomed to walking down our local supermarket aisle seeing nothing but brilliantly coloured (almost unreal looking) bright orange dried apricots and pears. You won’t find that dried organic fruit looks this way. But it’s not meant to either. When fruit is not pumped full of sulphur dioxide it takes on a decidedly more natural, somewhat earthy hue. Don’t be disappointed; it’s just the way dried fruit is meant to look.

Try and store your dried organic fruit in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight. Once you’ve opened whatever packaging your dried fruit originally came in, transfer your fruit to an airtight container and store in your refrigerator.

Drying your own fruit

It’s definitely possible to dry your own fruit. Although drying your own fruit tends to be a time-consuming process, which we’ll go into in more detail in a future post, there is also the sense of reward that comes with knowing you’ve done something for yourself. This is a particularly good option for those fortunate enough to have their own organic orchard brimming with fabulous fruit.