Dried papaya has a unique sweet flavour that epitomizes exotic deliciousness. Dry papaya makes an exciting topping for ice cream, yogurt and cereal. Dried papaya contains no fat and is low in sodium. Dried papaya is credited for improving the rejuvenation of skin and for rebuilding cells in the liver, muscles and bones. Dried papaya has a myriad of nutritional benefits. Its a great source of vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium. Besides that it is also a good source of iron, calcium and magnesium as well. Dehydrated papaya is achieved by peeling the papaya, removing the seeds and cutting the fruit into slices approximately ½ inch thick. They are then pre-treated with citric acid and then placed in a dehydrator for 12-24 hours.

Usage

Dried papaya has a unique, sweet and exotic taste and is a very healthy snack, which can wake your bored taste buds up. Its used in ice cream, yogurt, cereals and can also be eaten raw. Dried papaya can be included in the daily diet because of its rich nutritional content and exotic taste.

Known in hindi as "Aroo" dried peaches, are obtained by cutting and slicing the fully riped peaches, and then dehydrating them to suck their moisture and enhance their shelf life. Dried peaches are moist, delicious, and full of potassium. Dried peaches are rich in beta-carotene, which is a powerful member of the antioxidant family. Peaches offer a source of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A. Their bright orange color also makes them perfect for decorating dessert plates. Dried peaches being packed with wholesome minerals, antioxidants, and digestion friendly fiber are incredibly nutritious and attractive.

Usage

3-4 pieces of dried peaches can be included in your daily diet, because of their high nutritional content and abundant dietary fiber. Dried peaches are also effectively used in desserts, tropical mixes and many recipes.

The pineapple plant originated near Southern Brazil and Paraguay. As time went by pineapple arrived in Central America and Mexico. When Columbus returned to Spain, he brought pineapple with him. The Spanish are given the credit for introducing the pineapple to South East Asia. Pineapples have a shallow root system. They are grown in sandy soil in warm climate. Dehydrated pineapple can be incorporated into a health conscious diet due to many health benefits it offers. Dehydrated pineapple is deliciously sweet, and can be a healthy alternative to candy. They still have to be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content. Dried pineapple is a source of vitamin C, E, B-6, K and A. Its also a good source of minerals, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and potassium.

Usage

Dried whole strawberries imported from Thailand are one of the most popular dried fruit treats, and are a guaranteed hit whenever they are served. These strawberries are delicious even though they have been dried. These dried strawberries do contain added sugar, and are also treated with citric acid to preserve them for a longer duration. Treating them with these FDA approved preservatives, helps enhance their shelf life and stay fresh and nutritious for a longer duration. These delicious strawberries are added to muffins, cakes, cereals and numerous others recipes. Their addition can transform an ordinary bowl of ice cream into a palatable delicacy.

Usage

Dried strawberries can be consumed as they are or added to ice creams, muffins, cakes, desserts, etc. 2-3 pieces of dried strawberries can be consumed daily. 

Dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that lose most of their water content after spending a majority of their drying time in the sun. These tomatoes are usually pre-treated with sulphur dioxide or salt before being placed in the sun in order to improve quality. Typically tomatoes spend 4-10 days in the sun in order for the sun drying process to be complete. It takes anywhere from 8 to 14 kilograms of fresh tomatoes to make a single kilogram of sun dried tomatoes. After the procedure, the tomato fruits will keep their nutritional value. The tomatoes are high in lycopene, antioxidants and vitamin C. Dried tomatoes can be used in a wide variety of recipes and cuisines. Salting and evaporating the moisture out of tomatoes, significantly delays the process of decomposition.

Usage

Dried tomatoes have widely been used in Italian cuisines. Dried tomatoes will need to be reconstituted before use. Just let them soak in warm water for 30 minutes, until soft and pliable, drain, pat dry and then can be used in the recipe. They are widely used in pastas, pizzas, wraps, etc.

Fresh dates more popularly known as “khajoor”, are an energy dense food packed with carbohydrates including sucrose, fructose and glucose. These natural sugars make fresh dates a good food for boosting energy quickly. The high fiber content of fresh dates helps facilitate digestion, balance blood sugar and decrease high cholesterol levels. Fresh dates and the dried ones have almost the same amount of nutrients which is very high. It contains iron which keeps our body healthy, vitamin A for the eyes, potassium for the heart and magnesium which help against diabetes, blood pressure and depression. Although they are wonderful to indulge in, they contain high levels of fructose and too much fructose is bad for us.

More commonly known as "kishmish”, raisins are basically dried grapes. In UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, the word raisin is reserved for dark coloured large grapes, with sultana being a golden coloured dried grape and currant being a dried small black corinth seedless grape. Green raisins are juicy and tender. These sun- soaked gems are a good source of natural sugars, iron and B vitamins. Raisins look very simple and unpalatable with their aged appearance and dry texture, but they are one of nature’s healthiest alternatives to those sugar rich manufactured candies and sweet products. Raisins contains fibres that start to swell in the presence of water.

Usage

12-15 pieces of green raisins must be included in the daily diet. However for diabetic patients the usage must not exceed more than 4-5 pieces per day.

Kashmiri hard shelled almonds are highly rated because of the high quality sweet kernel present inside them. Kashmiri hard shelled almonds have a harder outer cover and need to be slowly hammered to retrieve the kernel present inside them. Kashmiri hard shelled almonds have no specific size and shape. Every tree gives its own unique produce of different shape, size and taste. They can be smaller or larger in size, depending upon the tree. The kernel present inside these almonds is an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, riboflavin and fiber. Kashmiri hard shelled almonds have a long shelf life, which makes them a great choice for customers who wish to use them over a long duration. Their kernels are rich in oil and splendid in taste.

Usage

1 kg of hard shelled Kashmiri almonds, yield about 250-300gms on average of Kashmiri mamra. 7-8 pieces of almond kernels must be included in the daily diet. Hard shelled Kashmiri almonds are also commonly used by Jains, for offerings made during Jain pooja.

Hazelnut is the nut of the hazel, which falls out of the husk when ripe, about 7 to 8 months after pollination. The kernel of the seed is edible and used raw or roasted, or ground into a paste. Hazelnuts are used in confectionery to make praline and also used in combination with chocolates for chocolate truffles and products such as Nutella. They are rich in protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, manganese and numerous other essential nutrients. Ferrero SpA, the producers of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, consume 25% of the global supply of hazelnuts.

Usage

4-5 pieces of hazelnuts can be consumed on daily basis. Hazelnuts is used in nutella and chocolate truffles. Chocolate coated hazelnuts are very popular. Hazelnuts are roasted to intensify their unique flavour.

Iranian plums are one of the most popular plums produced in the world. The extraordinary taste, delightful color and sufficient flesh have won the Iranian plums its popularity. Better known in hindi as “ sookha aaloobukhara”, Iranian plums have a sweet and a sour taste and is a great appetizer. These famous goldenish brown plums, are used in a variety of Persian dishes. Iranian plums are rich in potassium, fiber, phytochemicals including antioxidants all of which help in lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Besides that they are also a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, dietary fiber and potassium.

Better known in hindi as "Kashmiri kagzi badam" Kashmiri almonds have a rich oil content and are highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, riboflavin and fiber. Kashmiri soft shelled almonds are very easy to break and are extensively used as a pocket snack with splendid taste and high nutritional value. Similar to hard shelled kashmiri almonds, they also don’t have any strict shape and size, and every tree gives its own unique produce. While some trees may yield large sized almonds, other may yield comparatively small sized ones.

Usge

1kg of soft shelled Kashmiri almonds, yield about 350-400 grams on average of Kashmiri mamra. 7-8 pieces of almond kernels must be included in the daily diet.

Also called as “Kashmiri badam giri”, Kashmiri mamra, is special in its own way. Kashmiri almonds are famous all over the world for their rich oil content and splendid taste. Kashmiri mamra is compared to irani mamra many times, and according to many people’s opinion Kashmiri mamra is much better than their Irani counterparts. Unlike Irani mamra, Kashmiri mamra has no specific size and shape. Every tree has its own unique colour and shape. Even the taste varies from tree to tree. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium and riboflavin, as well as have a rich fiber content.

Usage

10-12 pieces of Kashmiri mamra should definitely be included in the daily diet. They can be soaked in water overnight and blanched and then consumed with breakfast. They can also be eaten raw, however soaking them makes them easy to digest.

More popularly known as “lal khubani” or “jardalu”, these apricots from Ladakh is the most common fruit of the Ladakh province in Northern India. Their vibrant orangish red colours, sweet and sour taste make them special in their own way. They have velvety skin and flesh, not too juicy but definitely sweet and smooth. They are free from cholesterol and saturated fats. These apricots are treated with sulphur dioxide in compliance with FDA standards, so as to maintain their colour and shelf life.

Usage

Traditional Kashmiri people soak the outer cover or pulp of Ladakhi apricots in water overnight and then consume in the morning. It is used to bring coolness inside the body and assists smooth functioning of digestive tract. Apricots can be used as a snack as well. 1-2 pieces of red apricots should be consumed on daily basis. They should be avoided when one is suffering from cough, as the sulphites in the apricot may cause minor allergies, though very rare.

A macadamia nut is the smooth, ivory coloured kernel that is encased in the husk of the fruit grown on a Macadamia tree. They have a sweet, buttery flavour and are packed with nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness and optimum health. Adding these nuts to your diet will also provide you with a good percentage of calcium, iron, selenium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and manganese. These nuts also contain vitamin A and E. They are a healthy, tasty, versatile protein source for vegetarians. Macadamia nuts are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, and because they are cholesterol free food, they can be included in a heart healthy diet that includes proper cholesterol management.

Rich in nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals, berry mix is a delicious mix of dried berries, currants and raisins. Having abundant nutrients and antioxidants, berry mix may help prevent the effects of aging, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure. Since berry mix is a rich mix of currants, berries and raisins from across the world, they contain health benefits of almost all ingredients packed in one. Besides being a wonderful snack, they are great addition for smoothies, desserts and puddings. They are also a great tropical mix to be consumed in your daily breakfast. Blueberries, blackberries, green raisins, sultana raisins, cranberries and other seasonally available berries are all packed in one pack of berry mix, hence making them an awesome treat to get.

The diverse mix of nuts is a great way to get a wide range of protective nutrients. Raw organic mixed nuts are loaded with heart healthy nutrients like monounsaturated fat, which may help lower harmful cholesterol levels. Nuts and berries are mixed to form a great pocket snack with abundant health benefits. They can be consumed all day long in limited amounts, however the ideal time to consume them remains the morning breakfast. Dry fruit mix is a rich mix of walnuts, almonds, figs, berries, apricots, etc to form a delightful mouth watering healthy combination. Being abundantly rich in antioxidants, dry fruit mix offers a vast number of  health benefits, and since there is so much different varieties of nuts packed inside one pack, your taste buds will never get bored.

Prunes are basically dried plums. They are sweet with a deep taste and a sticky chewy texture and are not only fun to eat, but are also highly nutritious. Prunes are also used in cooking both sweet and savoury dishes. Prunes are rich in antioxidants, and contribute to the restoration of normal level function in general population, if consumed on daily basis. Prunes are great source of phenols, which help to prevent oxygen damage to cells. Their sweetness does not make them the best fruit choice for slimmers, but their soluble fibre does slow down absorption of glucose, stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Usage

2-3 pieces of Californian prunes can be included in the daily diet. Prune juice is very common in western countries as it contains fiber accompanied with vitamins and minerals. Besides that prunes are extensively used in desserts, and cooking dishes in many cuisines.