The process of drying fruit has been around for centuries as a quality source of nutrients when fresh fruit was scarce. Today, the dried fruit industry is a multi-million-dollar business, however one of the biggest points of difference is suppliers who process natural and organic dried fruits and those who don’t. So, what’s the difference?
ORGANIC DRIED FRUITS
Organic dried fruits are grown and processed without the use of harmful pesticides, fertilisers, flavours, sugars, sweeteners, or any other preservatives, making them a safer, tastier and more sustainable option. Organic dried fruits are typically dried at low temperatures over a longer period to preserve the fruit's natural goodness. This slow drying process ensures that the fruit retains its flavour, texture, and nutritional value. Growing and processing organically also means dried fruit is free from sulphur dioxide, a preservative commonly used in non-organic dried fruits to lengthen their shelf life and retain the fruits’ original colour. Sulphur dioxide has been known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals including wheezing, hives, rashes, tingling or difficulty swallowing.
NATURAL DRIED FRUITS
Natural dried fruit can be sun-dried in solar tunnels, on racks, or occasionally while still on the vine to bring out the natural flavours of the fruit. Our naturally dried fruits are sourced from quality growers and are free from added sugars, oils, preservatives, sweeteners, sulphur and are GMO free. While the colour of natural and organic fruits are not as bright as those with added sulphur dioxide, naturally dried and organic dried fruits have a more intense natural flavour and aroma.
CONVENTIONALLY DRIED FRUITS
Many conventionally dried fruits have added sulphur dioxide to preserve the fruits' original colour, softness and increases the dried fruits’ shelf life. Other ingredients used to process conventional dried fruits may include sugar, oil, artificial colours and sweeteners. Want to check you’re not eating products containing sulphur dioxide? Look for these numbers listed on the ingredients panel: 220 or 221, 222, 223, 224, 225.
CONVENIENCE AND VERSATILITY
We all love fresh organic fruit as our first choice of fruit options. What organic and natural dried fruit offers is the convenience factor. Organic dried fruits are lighter an easier to carry, making it an ideal choice for those who are on the go such as athletes (great for trail mixes), busy families, campers and hikers. Unlike fresh fruit, which can bruise easily in backpacks and bags, dried fruit also takes up very little space and doesn’t bruise. For children, dried fruit is a great snack alternative for fussy eaters who won’t eat fresh fruit at school, and unlike slices of fruit in a lunchbox which can go brown, organic and natural dried fruits don’t spoil. Short on fresh fruit? Dried fruits can easily be added to a variety of dishes, including salads, granola, and baked goods, for an extra burst of flavour and nutrition. Natural and organic dried fruits also deliver:
- A good source of antioxidants
- Is naturally sweet with no added sugars
- Delivers a good source of fibre
- Has a great source of vitamins
GET VERSATILE
There are countless ways to enjoy organic dried fruits. Here are just a few ideas:
- Add them to your morning cereal or yogurt for a nutritious boost
- Mix them with nuts and seeds for a healthy trail mix
- Use them as a topping for ice cream or frozen yoghurt Include them in homemade granola bars or energy bites
- Add them to smoothies for a burst of sweetness & nutrition
- Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying and healthy snack
REHYDRATE ORGANIC & NATURAL DRIED FRUIT
Simply place fruit in a glass/Pyrex bowl. Add boiling water or fruit juice at a 2:1 ratio to fruit. Allow to sit for 15-45 minutes, then drain the liquid. It is that simple! The soaking liquid can also be used as a sweet addition to baked goods, hot cereals, or dried fruit compotes.
MIX IT UP
Add a splash of colour, flavour and goodness to your diet. Here’s how you can include some of our best-selling organic and natural dried fruits in your weekly menu.
Packed with beneficial minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, this superfood berry can be eaten on its own or added to your favourite trail mix, smoothie or muesli, or soak in water to make a wonderful tea.
Naturally sun-dried and infused with a touch of organic apple juice, these delicious berries can be added to salads, baking (they taste amazing in muffins & cakes) or add to a cheese platter.
Naturally sundried without sugar, artificial preservatives or sulphur dioxide (that’s why they are dark in colour, not bright orange). Perfect as a snack on the run, add to cereals, baking, or trail mixes.
Hand blended from naturally sun-dried fruits. Perfect for baking, stuffings, desserts (think rice pudding) and grain dishes for a sweet & sour burst of flavour.
Natural Australian Dried Fruit Salad:
This delicious seasonal blend of 100% Aussie dried fruit is the perfect fresh fruit salad alternative. Use in lunch boxes, when you’re camping and hiking and don’t have space to carry fresh fruit, in mocktails or as a breakfast topper.
NEED MORE INSPIRATION
Make these quick and easy, delicious snacks with dried fruits this weekend.
Nut Free Snack Bars
This homemade snack bar is full of nutritious seeds & organic and natural dried fruit (no nuts!) for a wholesome, tummy-filling snack.
Dried Fruit Compote with Orange Couscous
This versatile organic fruit compote can accompany a dessert or a cheese board.
Trail Mix
1 cup Organic Dried Cranberries
1 cup Organic Dried Apricots, chopped
1 cup Organic Dried Banana Coins, chopped
1 cup Organic Almonds
1/2 cup Organic Pumpkin Seed
1/2 cup Natural Australian Sunflower Seeds
1/4 cup Organic BlackChia Seeds
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
