Dried fruit is a very useful ingredient in both savory cooking and desserts. It offers a concentrated burst of sweetness and can often help curb even the most persistent sweet tooth. You can either dry your own or purchase the dried fruit at the supermarket. Raisins, dried apples, dried figs, and dried bananas, and other types of dried fruit can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions.

Substitute Dried Fruit for Fresh

Dried fruit makes a wonderful addition to any recipe. In blueberry or cranberry muffins, for example, you can substitute dried fruit for the fresh version. If the recipe calls for one cup of fresh fruit, use cup dried fruit. Soak the fruit in a little orange juice or water to make it plump.

Dried Fruit Trail Mix

Dried fruit makes a great addition to any trail mix. The simple sugars are a healthy substitute for candy and they offer a quick energy burst when you need it. If your hike is strenuous, you'll need to eat a constant amount of food to keep your energy and stamina up. Just mix the dried fruit of your choice with other ingredients such as pretzels, cereal, nuts, and crackers. Keep the mix within easy reach so you can munch it on the trail.

Savory Cooking with Dried Fruit

You can also include small pieces of dried fruit in savory cooking. Incorporating raisins and chopped dates into a couscous, rice, or lentil pilaf offers a good way to contrast spicy and sweet in the same dish. Other dried fruits, such as mango or pineapple, work well in different sauces and glazes. For advice on cooking with dried fruit, you can either search online or look in cookbooks. Middle Eastern food often incorporates dried fruit in their dishes.

Dried fruit serves as a healthy snack or interesting accompaniment to your meal. Look for creative ways to cook with dried fruit and you will be rewarded with good health.