DRIED FRUITS
Turkey is one of the unique countries in the world for agricultural production and Turkey’s matchless superiority with respect to agricultural production allows her to produce many agricultural products. Except for some tropical products, almost every kind of agricultural product can be produced on a large scale in Turkey.
Dried fruits are one of Turkey’s major agricultural sectors and Turkey is the most important country in the world with respect to both the production and export of dried fruits. Turkish dried fruits production and exports are extremely high and dominate world markets. Among the dried fruits produced in Turkey, raisins (sultanas), dried apricots and dried figs have the lion’s share. Because of their major importance for agricultural exports, they are regarded as traditional Turkish agricultural export items. Turkey also produces and exports other kinds of dried fruits such as prunes, currants, dried apples, dried pears, dried mulberries, dried peaches etc. all of which are exported all around the globe.
Dried Fruits, Nutrition and Health
Grapes, figs and apricots are miracles from the standpoint of their composition and have been accepted as sacred fruits throughout history. Dried fruits are called nature’s candy and they are one of the most nutritious foods in the world. They are cholesterol free, rich in vitamins and minerals, and totally fat free.
Dried fruits are a good source of fiber and rich in antioxidants. Dried fruits are invaluable for human health and provide consumers many advantages with respect to nourishment. Dried fruits, with many of the major vitamins and minerals in their composition, are found to be useful in many functions of the human body.
Consumption Forms of Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are widely used in the food sector as well as being consumed as a snack. Some consumption forms of dried fruits are as follows:
Raisins (Sultanas)
Raisins are an indispensable ingredient in breads, cakes, cookies, pies, tarts and different pastries in the bakery sector. They are an excellent addition to a wide range of candies, puddings and other wonderful confectioneries.
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are mostly consumed directly as a snack after being graded and may be mixed with other fruits. It is also processed as diced dried fruit and used in bakery products, in the production of chocolate and candies, and as an ingredient in the preparation of some special sweets, like paste.
Dried Figs
Dried figs are consumed in international cuisines in many different forms as diced, chopped or minced including in pies, puddings, cakes, bread or other bakery products after being stewed or cooked; In jams, marmalades or in many sugar and confectionery products as a delicious ingredient.