Content
- 1 Is it possible to dry peaches?
- 2 The benefits and harms of dried peaches
- 3 How to dry peaches correctly
- 4 How to dry peaches in an electric dryer
- 5 How to dry peaches in the sun
- 6 How to dry peaches in the oven
- 7 What can you make from dry peaches?
- 8 Rules for storing dried fruits from peaches
- 9 Conclusion
Dried peaches are a common type of dried fruit that is extremely beneficial for the human body. The name of the product is assigned based on whether the stone is left during the drying process. The pitted variety is called peach dried apricots. Sheptala is the name of a dried peach, dried together with the pit.
Is it possible to dry peaches?
Using heat, you can significantly extend the shelf life of any fruit. Peaches are no exception. During the drying process, they change their taste slightly, but do not lose their beneficial properties. Sheptal is easy to find in a dried fruit store. But you can also prepare it at home.
When choosing a fruit, you should be guided by its appearance. The bright color indicates the use of chemicals in manufacturing. The most useful fruits do not have an attractive appearance. There should be no deformations or dark spots on the skin.
The benefits and harms of dried peaches
The main advantage of peach dried apricots is that they can be consumed in winter. Proper drying ensures the preservation of the beneficial components of the fruit. Even when dried, peach is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The beneficial properties of dried peach fruit include:
- strengthening teeth and bones by replenishing calcium, iron, phosphorus and fluorine;
- stimulation of brain function;
- acceleration of metabolism due to the content of vitamin B;
- cleansing the body of toxic substances;
- preventing atherosclerosis by reducing bad cholesterol levels;
- improvement of visual function;
- relaxing effect on the intestines;
- strengthening the immune system;
- decreased blood clotting;
- preventing age-related changes on the skin;
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
When consumed in moderation, fruits prevent the fermentation process in the digestive organs. Therefore, they are recommended to be dried and introduced into the diet if there is constipation. The product is an excellent alternative to medications with laxative effects. Cosmetologists advise women over 40 to eat dried peaches. Dried fruit has a rejuvenating effect, preventing skin aging.
Thanks to the potassium content, sear eliminates the symptoms of cardiovascular disorders. It is used as part of diet therapy for iron deficiency anemia, arrhythmia and varicose veins. After suffering from viral and infectious diseases, the product helps strengthen the immune system and restore strength.
For children and students, the fruit is useful because it stimulates brain function.By saturating the body with useful substances, dried fruit helps withstand mental and physical stress. In case of poisoning, dried peaches remove toxic substances from the body.
Dried peaches will provide adequate benefits only if used appropriately. If you have indigestion, fruit can aggravate the situation. In the presence of an allergic reaction, it provokes the appearance of skin rashes and itching sensations. Patients with diabetes should take into account that drying peaches increases the percentage of sugar content. It is not recommended to use them during periods of exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases.
Dried peach calories
Dried peaches are suitable for consumption by people watching their weight. 100 g of product contains 254 kcal. The nutritional value:
- carbohydrates – 57.7 g;
- proteins – 3 g;
- fats – 0.4 g.
How to dry peaches correctly
To dry peaches at home, you don't need any special knowledge. It is enough to follow a sequence of actions. First you need to select the highest quality fruits for drying. Do not dry overripe or bruised peaches. After a thorough inspection for flaws, they are washed and cut in half, getting rid of the pit.
Peaches are dried in an oven or a special electric dryer. It is advisable to use plywood sheets as a backing. Sun-dried peach is considered healthier and tastier. To prepare it, you need to take the sheet with chopped fruits out into the sun. The product's shrinkage will indicate readiness. If it is no longer wet, it is put into a deep container.
How to dry: with or without pits
Drying peaches at home with pits is much easier. In this case, the preparation time for fruits is significantly reduced. But experienced housewives prefer to dry the product without pits. It is much more difficult to remove it from dried fruits. It is also believed that dried peaches with pits have a short shelf life. It is necessary to chop the fruit into small pieces. In this case, they take up less storage space and retain their beneficial properties longer. Along with the pit, you can also remove the skin of the fruit. For these purposes, it is scalded with hot water and then placed in cold water. The peel will become easy to remove.
How to dry peaches in an electric dryer
Drying peaches in an electric dryer is considered the easiest and most convenient. Most of the effort goes into preparing the fruit. After washing and grinding, they are placed on a drying tray. The first 2 hours of drying are carried out at a temperature of 70°C. Then the temperature is reduced to 50°C and drying continues until complete readiness.
How long to dry peaches in an electric dryer
The cooking time depends on the initial juiciness of the fruit. In total, drying peaches in an electric dryer takes from 10 to 12 hours. When ready, the fruits become soft and elastic.
How to dry peaches in the sun
Drying peaches in the sun is the most affordable way. The procedure is carried out on a hot day. First prepare a large tray, which is covered with gauze. The cut pieces are laid out on a tray so that they do not touch. Glass is placed on top. This will speed up the drying process by increasing sensitivity to sunlight.Glass will additionally protect the cut fruits from birds and insects. The fruit should be dried under the sun for at least 3-4 days. It is advisable to periodically turn the pieces from one side to the other.
How to dry peaches in the oven
The recipe for cooking dried peaches in the oven is in wide demand. Drying is carried out in several stages:
- Peaches are washed and cut into small oblong pieces, first removing the pit.
- The baking sheet is covered with parchment paper, after which the chopped pieces are laid out on it.
- Top the fruit with a small amount of honey.
- At a temperature of 50°C, the fruits must be dried in the oven for 3 hours.
- After removing the fruit from the oven, take a break of 6 hours. Then the drying process is repeated.
What can you make from dry peaches?
Dried pitted peaches are often used in cooking. They are well absorbed by the digestive organs and relieve the need for sweets for a long time. They are widely used in cooking due to their aroma and pleasant taste. Compotes, desserts, baked goods and meat dishes are prepared from dried fruits. Despite its high calorie content and nutritional value, the product is consumed for weight loss purposes, as it can become an alternative to unhealthy desserts.
Pilaf prepared with the addition of sear is very popular. The recipe will require the following components:
- 1 tbsp. prunes;
- ½ tbsp. raisins;
- 1.5 tbsp. long grain rice;
- ¼ lemon;
- 2 tbsp. l. sunflower oil;
- 2 tbsp. l. water;
- sugar and salt to taste.
Cooking process:
- Boil the rice until half cooked.
- Pour boiling water over dried fruits.
- After 30 minutes, cut the softened fruit into small pieces.
- Mix rice with fruit mixture and remaining ingredients.
- Place the container in the oven over low heat.
If you add sear to oatmeal, its nutritional value will increase significantly. The product also goes well with cottage cheese, ice cream and milkshakes. But most often it is eaten in its pure form, as a snack.
Rules for storing dried fruits from peaches
To store dried fruits, you need to allocate separate plastic containers, paper bags or glass jars. After drying, you can place the peaches in linen bags. The storage location should be cool and protected from sunlight. It is important to avoid high humidity. Otherwise, mold will form on the product. A suitable place for storage would be a distant shelf in a closet or refrigerator.
If the basic principles of preservation are observed, dried fruit does not lose its properties for 2 years. The sear must be periodically checked for integrity. During long-term storage, beetles may infest containers with dried fruits. If the fruits are damp, they should be dried again in the oven for 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Dried peaches can replenish vitamin reserves in the body throughout the year. Their main advantages are their long shelf life and positive health effects. Doctors advise consuming no more than 5 pieces per day. Excessive consumption of dried fruit can lead to an allergic reaction.