Cranberries
Origin: USA
Description: Dried cranberries are easy to find, quick to eat, and extremely versatile. Dried cranberries can be added to many healthy dishes or enjoyed as a snack. With a perfect blend of tart and sweet flavors, dried cranberries are a good source of dietary fiber.
Benefits: They contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats. They can help lower your cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels. However dried cranberries should be eaten in moderation as it is slightly coated with added sugar.
Figs
Origin: Turkey / Iran
Description: Figs are usually found in tropical regions. They thrive in areas with long and hot summers. Fig trees can grow in any type of soil as long as the soil is well-drained and contains plenty of organic material. Figs can be eaten fresh from the tree, preserved, or used in cooking.
Benefits: Figs contain a soluble fiber. When fiber moves through the digestive system, it clears excess cholesterol and carries them to the excretory system to be eliminated from the body. It also stimulates healthy bowel movements.
Apricots
Origin: Turkey
Description: Turkey is home to the world's highest production of dried apricots. They are harvested and is either eaten fresh, sun-dried or heaped in fields. A high quality dried apricot can only be available by proper harvesting methods of which is to be picked by hand. For the best quality, dried apricots should be picked when they are 'eating ripe' (firm and sweet) rather than 'juicy ripe' (soft and sweet).
Benefits: Dried apricots contain nutrients like Vitamin A which is required for good vision. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps to remove free radicals and maintain the health of cells and tissues.
Jumbo Raisins
Origin: Chile
Description: Raisins are dried grapes. Upon harvesting, there are three types of drying methods which creates the raisins we love. They are sun drying, shade drying, and mechanical drying. During this period, the grapes are allowed to dry up to four weeks. During this time, the moisture content of the grape is reduced the color of the fruit changes to a brownish purple.
Benefits: Raisins are good for your brain as it contains a good source of boron. Boron is a trace element that’s important for keeping your bones and joints healthy. Research suggests that boron could also play a role in treating osteoporosis, or bone loss commonly associated with age.
