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 ½ 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.

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