Dried peaches: name, benefit and harm, calorie content

Peach is considered not only very tasty, but also quite useful fruit. Its refreshing, juicy and nutritious flesh is perfectly absorbed by the human body. Until recently, only fresh or canned fruits were found on the shelves. But already today in the markets and in shops the dried peach is on sale. How this product is called, you will learn by reading this article.

What is included in the data of dried fruits?

In dried fruits, known as "whisper", contains about 15% of sugar, as well as a small amount of proteins and fats. In addition, they are considered an excellent source of organic acids, including chlorogenic, wine, apple and lemon.

As for the vitamin composition, the dried peaches contain beta-carotene, thiamine, vitamins E, B and PP. Also, they contain such colorants as cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lycopene. In addition to all, these dried fruits are rich in minerals. They include a large amount of phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium.

Dried Peaches: Benefit and Harm

These dried fruits are appreciated for the fact that they have antioxidant properties, due to which they are used as a preventative against cancer. Also, doctors often recommend adding them to the diet of people who have problems with the heart and nervous system. It is proved that these fruits have a beneficial effect on male potency.

In addition, a dried peach, the calorie content of one hundred grams of which is 254 kcal, is indispensable at a reduced level of hemoglobin and with constipation in children. Regular use of these dried fruits contributes to the improvement of blood composition, normalization of the gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract.

Despite the benefits of this product, it can not be consumed by people with diabetes. In addition, excessive consumption of dried peaches can cause an allergic reaction, as well as problems with the vascular and digestive system.

Recommendations for the selection and storage of these dried fruits

Basically, dried peaches, the benefits of which are obvious to any average consumer, are sold in the markets. When choosing this product, you must pay attention to the presence of flavor. The absence of a characteristic pleasant odor may indicate a violation of the rules for storing fruits. In addition, quality dried fruits should not be wet in appearance. Experts recommend to refuse to buy such peaches, since there is an increased likelihood that they were watered with an unknown liquid. The quality product should be dry, clean and free of whitish coating.

Useful properties of dried peaches can persist for two years. It is very important to follow certain recommendations. Keep this product preferably in a sealed glass or plastic container, hidden in a dark place.

Which fruits are suitable for drying?

To keep dried peaches as much as possible of valuable vitamins and trace elements, you need not only to strictly observe the technology of their preparation, but also to choose the right raw materials. It should be understood that for these purposes it is impossible to use overripe, underpinned, damaged and too soft fruits, because in the drying process they will start to deteriorate and lose their properties. It is desirable to make blanks from ripe sweet and sour varieties having pink or pale yellow flesh.

How to dry peaches at home?

Having selected the desired fruits, you can start sorting them. It is desirable to immediately separate small, medium and large peaches, since the drying temperature will depend on their size. It is recommended to cut the large fruit in half beforehand. As for small fruits, they can be dried entirely. The washed and prepared peaches should be laid out in a thin even layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and sent to the oven. Dry peaches are recommended at a temperature of 65 degrees. From time to time they should be removed from the oven to turn over.

Alternative method

Many modern housewives have long refused to use the oven to make dried peaches. With ossicles it is impossible to prepare them, because they deteriorate faster. This technique involves treating the fruit with a solution of caustic soda. This makes it much easier to remove the peel. Fruits are dipped in a container with a solution and boiled for ten seconds. After this time, it is necessary to wait for complete cooling of the fruit, cut them in two along the groove, gently release from the skin and fumigate with sulfur.

Peaches that have undergone similar processing, must be laid out on trays and left for four days. This is the time it takes for the complete weathering of sulfurous anhydride, which has managed to dissolve in the cell sap. After that, fruits can be sent to dry, without forgetting to periodically turn them over. After a few days, the fruit is poured into one tray, on which it remains until it is fully conditioned. Dried peaches are considered fully prepared when their moisture content is less than 18%.

Useful combinations

Immediately make a reservation that the dried peach, whose name you already know, stands out against other analogues with its unique and exquisite taste. Due to the fact that it retains a lot of vitamins, it is often used in cooking. Basically, these dried fruits are prepared with fruit and fruit compotes. However, some gourmets add them to meat dishes. In addition, these fruits are used to make fruit salads, desserts, pies, cakes and muffins.

Paradoxically, this rather high- calorie product with a high glycemic index is often used in programs for weight loss. Dried peaches can be consumed not only as a snack, but also as an independent dish. Nutritionists recommend eating no more than five pieces a day. In the composition of these dried fruits there is quite a lot of sugar, so it is often used as a sweetener, added to all sorts of porridges.

The recipe for pilaf with dried peaches

To prepare this delicious and healthy dish you will need:

• One and a half glasses of long-grain rice;
• Two tablespoons of oil;
• A glass of prunes;
• A quarter of a lemon;
• Two tablespoons of water;
• A glass of dried peaches;
• Salt and sugar to taste;
• Half a glass of raisins.

First you need to boil in salted water until semi-ready rice. While he is standing on the stove, you can wash the dried fruits and pour them with boiling water. After half an hour you need to drain the water, in which were peaches, prunes and raisins, cut them into small pieces and add to the container with rice. There, too, they send oil, water, sugar and lemon slices, which are free from stones. Then the pan is placed in the oven and left there until the dish is ready.

Use in cosmetology and medicine

Based on dried peaches produce all kinds of lotions and scrubs. At home, they make broths that promote rejuvenation, clarification and cleansing of the skin.

These dried fruits are also used in medicine. Many doctors recommend that they be used by people who have recently undergone surgery. It is believed that dried peach fruits contribute to the strengthening and early recovery of a weakened and exhausted organism. As part of these fruits, there is a large amount of potassium, so they should be part of the diet of those who are diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, including angina and arrhythmia.

In winter, they can be used to strengthen the immune system. Dried peaches are indicated for anemia and problems associated with impaired intestinal motility. Prepared from them a decoction or infusion helps to get rid of the heaviness in the stomach.