Dried foods, almost always overlooked and underrated, play an important role in our diet. These little wonders are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help keep us healthy. While fresh fruits, vegetables, and other raw food options are certainly good for you, they have their downsides as well. Processing removes the water content from food which makes it safer to store for longer periods.
Moreover, dehydration reduces the volume of food while increasing its concentration of nutrients. This means you get more bang for your buck when eating dried foods. Let’s take a look at why you should start adding them to your diet today!
The Benefits of Dried Foods
Dried foods can be stored for longer periods, making them ideal for long-term storage. They are also much easier to transport and pack, making them perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. They are also great for stocking up in case of an emergency, when fresh food may not be available. Dried foods are more nutrient dense than fresh foods, which means you get more vitamins and minerals from less food. This is especially true for vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Dried foods are thus a great choice for people with limited space for storing food or for those who want to minimize their impact on the environment. Dried foods also often taste better than their fresh counterparts. This is because many produce items are harvested before they’re ripe, and they aren’t allowed to fully ripen before they’re sold. Drying food allows it to ripen fully, and retains its flavor and nutrients.
Dried Berries
Berries are one of the best-dried foods you can eat. They are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy heart, boost cognitive function, and improve your metabolism. Even better, they are also low in calories. You can enjoy them as is, or you can use them in your favorite dishes.
Dried berries are often used in baked goods, desserts, and various other recipes. They are also perfect for smoothies!
Dried Prunes
Prunes are often thought of as a laxative, but they are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Prunes can help you stay hydrated, promote a healthy digestive system, and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
On top of all that, prunes are also a good source of fiber, making them perfect for those trying to lose weight!
Dried Apricots
These dried gems are a great source of fiber and Vitamin A. They can help boost your digestive health and keep your heart healthy. Apricots can also aid your skin and eye health while promoting a healthy metabolism. They are a perfect snack to keep on hand if you’re striving to eat healthier.
You can add them to salads, and baked goods, or simply eat them as is!
Dried Raisins
Raisins are one of the most popular dried fruits and they can be found in many baked goods and trail mixes. Along with being a great source of fiber, raisins are also packed with iron. They can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and protect against certain types of cancer.
Raisins are also surprisingly high in protein, making them a great snack for those on a vegan diet. They can be eaten alone, added to salads, or baked into cakes and cookies!
Dried Salmon Jerky
There are many types of dried foods that are high in protein, making them perfect for those following a protein-rich diet. Salmon jerky is one of the best examples. It is low in fat and sugar, high in protein and perfect for those who love outdoor activities.
Salmon jerky can be eaten alone or added to salads, sandwiches, or tacos. You can also use it as an alternative to tuna in salads or sandwiches. It’s a great way to add more protein to your diet without having to prepare huge meals.
Dried Pork Jerky
Pork jerky is another type of dried meat that’s high in protein. It has less fat than other meats, making it perfect for those who are trying to lose weight.
Pork jerky is great for snacking on the go, so you can have a quick protein boost at any time. You can eat it by itself or add it to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Dried Turkey Jerky
Much like salmon jerky, turkey jerky is a great source of protein. You can eat it alone or use it as a sandwich filling. It’s also perfect for salads or as a topping on crackers. You can even use it in a stir fry or stew! Turkey jerky is a great snack to keep on hand if you’re following a protein-rich diet.
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, dried foods are a great place to start.
Dried Beef Jerky
Another great source of protein is dried beef jerky. It’s a great snack to have on hand, especially if you’re an active person. You can eat it alone or add it to salads, sandwiches, or other dishes. You can even use it as a topping for tacos or pizza! If you’re trying to increase your protein intake, dried meat is a great place to start. Dried meats are often high in protein, low in fat, and contain no carbs.
They are a great snack to keep on hand during outdoor activities or for busy people who don’t have time to prepare a full meal.
Conclusion
Dried foods are an incredibly useful and versatile tool that everyone should have in their kitchen. For those who don’t have the time or inclination to cook, they are an easy way to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. You can also use them as a tool to lose weight by including them in every meal. Dried foods are often more nutrient-dense than their freshly-picked counterparts, making them a great way to boost your health without taking in too many calories. Even better, dried foods often taste better than fresh foods.
