Dried apricots are called dried apricots. And only small varieties of fruits known as dried apricots are dried together with seeds, since it is very difficult to separate them from the pulp. Everyone has heard about useful properties of dried apricots, but we will dwell on them in more detail in this article, and also we will also specify the contraindications to its use.
How to dry apricot?
It's not enough just to lay out the fruits in the sun to get the right and useful product. Fruits that have reached full maturity, without damage and bruises, collected from the tree, and not from the ground, are washed with water and released from the bones. All stages of cooking are important for preserving the medicinal properties of dried apricots. Then the apricots can be dropped into boiling water for a few minutes, but no more. This allows you to remove pollen and various impurities, as well as hairs covering the surface of the fruit. Cooking is not necessary, but after its carrying out the surface of dried apricots will be shiny and smooth.
The next step is directly drying the apricots. It can be carried out outdoors or in special thermostats. At home, drying in the oven is possible. It is worth remembering that to preserve the useful properties of dried apricots for weight loss and the treatment of various diseases, it is necessary to spread the fruits on the lattice in one layer and not allow them to be layered on each other. Drying in special machines is more profitable, hygienic and faster drying in the open air, which can last from 3 to 15 days, depending on the weather conditions.
Useful properties of dried apricots
The usefulness of dried apricots is determined by:
- vitamins (A, B, C, PP);
- minerals (magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, sodium);
- organic acids and pectins;
- nutrition;
- high content of glucose and fructose.
The maintenance of a plenty of vitamins and mineral salts allows to use dried apricots during complex treatment and prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases, anemia, lowering of sight. And because of the high content of pectin fibers and fiber, the useful properties of dried apricots with constipation are undeniable. And you can both use the fruits themselves for food, and compote of dried apricots, the benefit of which will serve those who do not like the taste of dried apricots. This compote is better to cook every day and eat fresh.
High nutritional value and a large amount of glucose will help lose weight. It can and should be replaced with the usual sweets in the form of sweets and cakes. The benefits of dried apricots during weight loss are also explained by its mild diuretic and laxative effect. A good effect is given by days of unloading on dried apricots. For a day, you need to gradually use two glasses of fruit, pre-heated with boiling water. The resulting infusion should be drunk instead of the usual tea or coffee.
Damage to dried apricots
Unfortunately, often in the industrial manufacture of dried apricots the toxic substance sulfur dioxide is used. It is used as
Sulfur dioxide can destroy vitamin B1, contained in apricots, and also, accumulating in the body can cause an allergic reaction, asthma, pulmonary edema . Especially worth remembering this to pregnant women, because the benefits of dried apricots during pregnancy is obvious. Using dried apricots as snacks will become a natural source of vitamins and minerals for mom and baby, especially in winter. Fortunately, to remove the toxic element is simple enough - before use, pour the dried apricots with boiling water and insist 10-15 minutes.