Dried berries are often used as snacks, in trail mixes, baked goods, salads, cereals, and desserts. These fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, but sometimes sugar or preservatives may be added to them, so if you purchase them commercially, it is essential to check the nutritional labels.
Applications of dried berries as raw materials in various industries:
1. Food Industry
- Snacks: Consumed directly as a healthy snack or used in trail mixes.
- Baking: Used in baked goods such as muffins, cookies, cakes, and bread.
- Breakfast items: Added to cereals, granola bars, and oatmeal.
- Confectionery: Used in chocolates, candies, and dessert toppings.
- Beverages: Used in teas, smoothies, juices, or alcoholic drinks such as wine and flavored spirits.
- Sauces and jams: Turned into jams, jellies, and sauces for flavoring.
2. Cosmetics and Skincare
- Exfoliants: Ground dried berries are used in scrubs and exfoliating products.
- Active ingredients: Their extracts are used for antioxidants, vitamins, and oils in creams, lotions, and serums.
3. Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals
- Dietary supplements: Converted into powders or capsules to benefit from their nutritional and antioxidant properties.
- Medicinal products: Used in herbal remedies due to their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
4. Pet Food and Animal Feed
- Dried berries are sometimes added to premium pet food as a source of nutrients and flavor.
5. Crafts and Decoration
- Due to their beautiful colors and unique texture, dried berries are used in potpourri, decorative wreaths, and other ornamental items.
Processing Techniques
Before use, dried berries may undergo further processing, including:
- Grinding into powder for use in supplements and cosmetic products.
- Rehydration for culinary use.
- Extraction of oils, essences, or nutrients for specialized applications.
Nutritional Values (per 100 grams of dried berries):
Nutrients | Mixed Dried Berries (approximately 40g) | Dried Cranberries (approximately 40g) | Dried Cranberries (approximately 40g) |
Calories | 140 | 140 | -150 |
Total Fat | 0g | 0g | 0.1g |
Saturated Fat | 0g | 0g | 0g |
Cholesterol | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg |
Sodium | 10 میلی گرم | 5 میلی گرم | 1-10 میلی گرم |
Total Carbohydrates | 33g | 34g | 30-38g |
Dietary Fiber | 2g | 2-3g | 2-4g |
Sugar | 28 گرم | 30 گرم | 25-30 گرم (اغلب با شکر اضافه شده) |
Protein | 1 گرم | 0 گرم | – 1 گرم |