November 16th, 2010

Dried Figs

Dried Figs

Benefits Of Dried Fruits

All of us adore fresh fruits - their astounding taste, crunch and sweetness. But there are instances when we can not have our favourite fruit either because it's not available or because it's a seasonal fruit. This is where the usefulness of dried fruits comes. However, those who have had a taste of dried fruits will argue that there is more than just convenience to these healthy and handy treats.

To begin with, these are many of the best snacks you can have. Healthy, loaded with fiber and satisfying to snack on - dried fruits offer some astounding benefits. Fruits like apricots, raisins, peaches, prunes and figs are many of the popular dried fruits that are available in the market these days. But a look at many health stores might even bring you interesting dried fruits such as apples, pineapples, papayas and even mangoes.

Dried fruits are bursting with health and have become a well-liked snack for the health conscious and the dieters. Here is a more detailed look at some of the benefits of dried fruits.

* Dried fruits are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in phosphorus and calcium, which are extremely essential for healthy teeth and bones. Vitamins such as Vitamin B12 and folic acid help in the formation of RBC and these are vitamins are abundantly found in peaches, apricots and raisins.

* Fill up on dried fruits such as berries, figs and prunes. These are packed with iron, which is essential for the formation of hemoglobin. Habitually consuming these dried fruits can help in preventing anemia, which is a problem that besets numerous people, especially women.

* You're on a weight loss program and yet you have the utmost craving for something sweet. Don't reach for that candy bar and rather grab a couple of dried fruits such as figs or raisins. Dieters are finding dried fruits to be an superb way to reduce weight. Since they contain condensed amounts of fructose, dried fruits are sweeter than fresh fruits and can therefore, be used as substitutes when you have a craving for something sweet. Consuming dried fruits is a great way to move away from calorific cream filled pastries, chocolates and ice creams.

* Most people suffer from a bit of constipation and this is directly related to their diet. People tend to miss out on consuming fiber rich foods that provide the important roughage, which, in turn, prevents constipation. Opt for consuming dried fruits as they're rich in fiber, help in digestion and in general lead to a healthy colon.

* Many dried fruits are also known to reduce the appearance of cancer. Dried fruits such as apricots contain lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that prevents cancer of the prostate, lungs, esophagus and larynx. Dried cherries are known to contain pectin and antocyanins which are again helpful in preventing cancer.

* Many more good news about cherries. Did you know that they can boost your dental health also? These little critters contain powerful antibacterial agents that can halt tooth decay and formation of plaque also. In case you've ignored cherries so far, you will be interested to learn that if you eat dried cherries regularly, you will be able to sleep better and even recover from jetlag much easily.

* Many dried fruits have adopted the status of super food simply by virtue of their amazing properties which can even help in preventing cancer. These dried fruits are rich in antioxidants. For example, dried blueberries are known to contain anthocyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps in preventing free radical damage in the body; therefore enabling it to fight away many health issues, such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, glaucoma, peptic ulcers, cataracts, heart condition as well as cancer. Dried dates and berries are also used in traditional Chinese medicines. In India, dried gooseberries are powdered and used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, which is a well known branch of traditional medicine.

* Scientific researches have shown that dried black raspberries prevent development of cancer, dried cranberries can fight infections and combat the aging process; dried prunes are rich in antioxidants that enhance blood flow and dried plums slow down the development of atherosclerosis.

* Apples have pectin and they work wonders with asthmatic children. Researches have shown that they reduce the occurrence of cancer as well.

But to the common man why are dried fruits so popular today?

The answer is simple. They have a high concentration of carbohydrates, which is responsible for the energy boost that they provide. They're also easy to carry around, which is why sports persons, hikers and other athletes love to carry dried fruits with them. Dried fruits are also made into health bars which are a tasty snack in itself, although you might want to look out for one that doesn't have added sugar etc.

Dried fruits can be consumed directly or you can sprinkle them on top of your cereal or whip it up with some chilled yoghurt. Toss some with your cornflakes to add a zing to your breakfast or simply shake some with your granola before you eat it.

You can also freeze dried foods to conserve the essential nutrients contained in them. Frozen dried berries particularly are an ideal option to add to breakfast cereal because they can turn your ordinary meal into a power breakfast. Brightly hued berries such as blueberries and raspberries when freeze dried are superb in helping you fight chronic conditions also.

You can purchase dried fruits directly from stores, ideally stores that stock organic foods or make your own at home by using a dehydrator. Choose your favorite fresh fruit and dry them in the dehydrator so you can enjoy the goodness of fresh fruits even when they are not available. Store dried fruits in air tight glass containers, preferably in the refrigerator.

Some dried fruits contain preservatives and are also bleached or colored. To avoid consuming such fruits, try and buy from stores that sell organic dried fruit. Most usually organic dried fruits are dried in the sun naturally, so that all the nutrients and enzymes are intact.

However, one thing to remember is that dried fruits should be eaten in moderation because they contain concentrated amounts of sugar and carbohydrates that can boost your calorie intake in case you're not careful and lead to weight gain instead of weight loss.

Sun Dried Figs.mpg


Made In Nature Organic Calimyrna Figs, Sun-Dried and Unsulfured, 7-Ounce Bags (Pack of 6)
Made In Nature Organic Calimyrna Figs, Sun-Dried and Unsulfured, 7-Ounce Bags (Pack of 6)
List Price: $35.00
Sale Price: $26.92
You save: $8.08 (23%)
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Description

Certified Organic. Premium Choice. Tremendous care and skill are used to grow our crops the old-fashioned way. Organic farmers utilize natural materials that build rich fertile soil. Made In Nature is pleased to bring you delicious, certified organic Sun-Dried Calimyrna Figs with all the flavor and nutrition that Mother Nature intended. Resealable package.

Features

  • Pack of six, 7-ounce bags(total of 42-ounces)
  • Certified organic sun-dried calimyrna figs
  • Kosher certified
  • Gluten free and nut free
Melissa's Nutra Dried Figs, Black Mission, 9-Ounce Unit (Pack of 6)
Melissa's Nutra Dried Figs, Black Mission, 9-Ounce Unit (Pack of 6)
List Price: $26.00
Sale Price: $20.00
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Description

Melissa's nutra dried figs, black mission, 9-ounce unit (pack of 6) are one of the earliest fruits cultivated. As early as 2900 B.C., in early Sumerian times, the medical use of figs was already being stressed. Every inhabitant of Athens was a “philosykos,” literally translated, “a friend of the fig.” Early Olympic athletes were given figs as a training food and figs were given as laurels to the winners of the first Olympics as a “medal.”Although considered a fruit, the fig is actually a flower inverted into itself. The seeds are the real fruit in figs. Native to areas from Asiatic Turkey to northern India, figs spread to all the countries around the Mediterranean. The Spaniards brought figs to the Americas in the early 16th century. The missionary fathers brought them to California… “Mission Fig” gets its name from this history. The Smyrna fig was imported from Turkey to California in 1882. It was given the name of Calimyrna in honor of the grower’s home.

Features

  • Pack of six, 9-ounce units(total of 54-ounces)
  • The fig is actually a flower inverted into itself
  • The seeds are the real fruit in figs
Oskri Figs, Dried, 3.53-Ounce Bags (Pack of 12)
Oskri Figs, Dried, 3.53-Ounce Bags (Pack of 12)
Sale Price: $24.00
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Description

Welcome to the newest addition of quality, healthy snacks brought to you by Oskri, our journey of developing quality items for our consumers takes another step with our line of 9 different dried fruit items.   Oskri has remained committed over the years to earth friendly products that are good for the body and manufactured with renewable energy.   Also these dried fruits will be consistent with our dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian, halal and kosher approach to individual consumer needs.   We hope you enjoy the great taste, flavor and many uses uses for all these great fruits brought to us from farmers here in the US.

Features

  • Pack of twelve, 3.53-ounces per bag (total of 42.36 ounces)
  • Diary and gluten free
  • Great healthy snack
  • Kosher certified
Made In Nature Organic Black Mission Figs, Sun-Dried and Unsulfured, 8-Ounce Bags (Pack of 6)
Made In Nature Organic Black Mission Figs, Sun-Dried and Unsulfured, 8-Ounce Bags (Pack of 6)
List Price: $22.68
Sale Price: $17.45
You save: $5.23 (23%)
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Description

Certified Organic. Premium Choice. Tremendous care and skill are used to grow our crops the old-fashioned way. Organic farmers utilize natural materials that build rich fertile soil. Made In Nature is pleased to bring you delicious, certified organic Sun-Dried Black Mission Figs with all the flavor and nutrition that Mother Nature intended. Resealable package.

Features

  • Made In Nature Organic Black Mission Figs, Sun-Dried and Unsulfured bag holds 8 ounce in a pack of 6 (total of 48 ounce)
  • Sun-Dried and Unsulfured
  • A Kosher Certified product
  • Great source of Antioxidants
  • Nut free and 100% organic
Dried Figs, Kalamata, (Dragonas) 400g (14oz)
Dried Figs, Kalamata, (Dragonas) 400g (14oz)
Sale Price: $5.46
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Description

Naturally Sun-Dried Kalamata String Figs with No Preservatives. Product of Greece.

Features

  • A delicious and nutritious snack, high in fiber
  • Product of Greece
  • Pack of 14 ounces
  • Naturally sun-dried; with no preservatives
Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice Mission Figs, 12-Ounce Cup (Pack of 6)
Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice Mission Figs, 12-Ounce Cup (Pack of 6)
List Price: $24.24
Sale Price: $18.65
You save: $5.59 (23%)
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Description

Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice Mission Figs can be eaten as a nutritious snack. It can also be used in in cooking, either in baked items or in a cooked dish.

Features

  • Pack of six, 12-ounce per cup(a total of 72 ounces)
  • Can be eaten as a nutritious snack
  • Rich in complex carbohydrates; a good source of dietary fiber
  • Contains a wealth of essential minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium
Sun Maid Calimyrna Figs, 6-Ounce Bags (Pack of 6)
Sun Maid Calimyrna Figs, 6-Ounce Bags (Pack of 6)
List Price: $21.48
Sale Price: $16.52
You save: $4.96 (23%)
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Description

Stay fresh reclosable zipper. Taste the sunshine! Taste the exceptional, sunny sweetness of Sun-Maid's golden colored California Calimyrna Figs. Sun-dried to perfection in the warm California sun and gathered at peak flavor, each fig is hand selected to ensure only the best fruit is delivered to you. Convenient, high-energy snack; Chop and add to hot or cold cereal; Diced, they make a perfect addition to salads; Dip in melted chocolate for a delicious dessert. Fruits and Vegetables - Eat 5 to 9 a Day For Better Health: Health professionals agree that eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day can be beneficial to your health. Just a quarter-cup (about 1.5 ounces) of Sun-Maid Calimyrna Figs provides a full serving of fruit. It's a great-tasting way to add more to your diet. So get your 5 to 9 a day fruit and vegetable servings the fast and easy Sun-Maid way.

Features

  • Pack of 6 in a 6 Ounce bag (total of 36 ounce)
  • Dried figs are a sweet addition to the warm dressing and feta cheese in this easy and quick salad
  • The nutritional value will vary depending on the serving size
FIGS, BLACK MISSION,DRIED 5 lbs.
FIGS, BLACK MISSION,DRIED 5 lbs.
Sale Price: $17.95
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Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days
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Description

A Black Mission Fig is a bluish-black fig containing extremely small seeds. This fruit is a good source of iron, calcium and phosphorus. Figs have a firm flesh and soft inside. Black Mission Figs are sweeter and smaller than Calimyrna Figs. The best time for Figs is November through January. This is when the new crop has been harvested and the figs keep their shiny bluish-black color. The rest of the year, the Figs are considered old crop. These old crop Figs will crystallize with sugar, making them appear white and almost moldy on the outside. However, the Figs themselves are not contaminated in any way. During the off-months, expect Figs to crystallize within 2 to 4 weeks after purchase.

Features

  • Kosher
Sadaf Dried Figs Shirazi, 6-Ounce Packages (Pack of 6)
Sadaf Dried Figs Shirazi, 6-Ounce Packages (Pack of 6)
List Price: $26.40
Sale Price: $20.31
You save: $6.09 (23%)
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Description

Imported.

Features

  • All Natural
  • Superior Quality
  • Use as healthy snack
  • Very sweet white figs
  • A great source of fiber
Dried Calimyrna Figs - 5 lb
Dried Calimyrna Figs - 5 lb
Sale Price: $24.95
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Description

Anthony Bazzini came to America from a small town in Northern Italy when he was just a boy. At his first job at a nut processing company he showed the talent, vision, and dedication to quality that would define his lifelong work. A.L. Bazzini held that very first job for the rest of his life, eventually buying the processing company he worked for. Though the company has grown and times have changed, the core values of Bazzini have endured: dedication to exceptional quality and to personal service.Noted for its delicious nut-like flavor and tender, golden skin, the Calimyrna fig is the popular favorite for eating out of hand. As the name implies, the Calimyrna is the California version of the Smyrna fig, which was imported by a San Joaquin Valley grower.

Features

  • 1 - 5lb box
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