Fruits have numerous benefits, but unfortunately, they cannot be used in all seasons, as each fruit has its own specific season. To make fruits available for consumption throughout the year, they can be dried. Some individuals use preservatives to dry fruits, which is generally harmful to one's health. The best solution for drying fruits is to do so without using any additives. After drying, it is advisable to store dried fruits in a cool place. Humid places are not suitable for storing dried fruits, as insects may attack them and cause damage.
Today, with the expansion and practicality of the fruit drying method, fruits no longer spoil and become inedible. The production of fruit chips is done both traditionally and industrially. In the traditional method, fruits are cut into small slices and exposed to sunlight. However, in the industrial method, peeling and even slicing the fruits are done with machines, and moisture is removed from the fruits through drying machines. Over time, they become wrinkled and dense.
Methods of fruit drying
Some people believe that drying fruit in sunlight is the best and most efficient method. However, it should be noted that this method, despite its simplicity, alters the quality and color of dried fruits, and in some cases, fruit chips may not have a pleasant taste. Most producers of fruit chips use sodium and citric acid for longer shelf life. The use of these substances is permissible according to food standards, but in any case, they are considered chemical additives and affect the product's quality. The Ministry of Agriculture provides producers with materials such as alum and sulfur to create better conditions for fruit drying. All the mentioned substances are used to increase the shelf life of fruit chips, which will have consequences and issues in any case. In the end, it is recommended to enjoy the natural taste of fruit chips without adding preservatives.
How to store fruit chips?
Each fruit has numerous benefits and advantages, and their consumption is essential for providing vitamins and minerals to people of all ages. The conditions of four-season fruits vary from each other based on the climate. Currently, modern methods and techniques have been introduced, allowing individuals to enjoy any fruit they desire in any season. One of these methods is fruit drying, which allows fruits to be preserved for a long time. Those who do not have the time and conditions to produce dried fruit can purchase packaged and standardized fruit chips from reputable shopping centers and supermarkets.
Some individuals and workshops add preservatives to fruit chips for longer shelf life, which undoubtedly harms the body and creates problems. If you plan to produce fruit chips using traditional methods, it is recommended to place fruit slices in a dry place exposed to sunlight and avoid adding preservatives. Also, keep in mind to protect the dried fruits from damage caused by insects during the preparation of dried fruits.
To preserve the freshness of dried fruits, they should be stored at a temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. If the fruits are not dried at the proper temperature, there is a possibility of retaining moisture, leading to mold growth over time. Therefore, it is crucial to store dried fruits in a cool and dry environment. If fruit chips have moisture, it is essential to absorb the moisture thoroughly and place them back in the machine or expose them to sunlight. The best place to store fruit chips is the refrigerator. Storing dried fruit in the refrigerator increases its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy high-quality and naturally flavored fruit chips for up to a year.
The most suitable temperature for making fruit chips
As mentioned earlier, the best method for preserving fruit is drying and packaging. The protection and packaging of fruit chips involve principles and rules that must be followed. Dried fruit quickly becomes contaminated when exposed to open air, so it should be placed in suitable packaging to prevent spoilage. Consider the following points regarding the storage of fruit chips:
- Avoid immediately packaging dried fruit in containers after production, as this can lead to sweating and moisture, ultimately resulting in a loss of nutritional value and spoilage.
- Containers used for packaging and storing dried fruit must be clean, hygienic, and free of moisture.
- Immediately close the container lid when using dried fruit, as exposure to air will lead to a reduction in its quality.
Proper storage and packaging of dried fruit
If you intend to store dried fruit for an extended period, it should be placed in suitable containers. Suitable containers for storing dried fruit include:
- Vacuum packaging
- Plastic containers with lids
- Plastic freezer bags
The ideal time for storing dried fruit is 4 months to 1 year, during which the dried fruits should be kept in a dry and cool place. Placing dried fruit in a warm and humid environment will lead to spoilage. Concerning the expiration date of dried fruit, various factors, with temperature being one of the most critical, play a role.
Therefore, if you do not choose the proper temperature for storing dried fruit, over time, fruit chips will lose their nutritional value and undergo food spoilage. The most suitable and best temperature for storing dried fruit is close to zero degrees Celsius. Another factor leading to the spoilage of fruit chips is moisture. If dried fruit contains moisture, over time and within a short period, this moisture will increase, leading to the spoilage of the fruit.
If you have a large quantity of dried fruit, it is better to store it in small packages for individual servings to ensure that you minimize repeated opening and closing, as this type of packaging minimizes moisture entering the dried fruit, preserving the quality of the fruit chips. Check the storage tricks for dried fruit.
If sulfur-containing substances, such as dried fig leaves and raisins, are used for drying fruits, be mindful not to place them directly in metallic containers. If you want to store dried fruit in a metallic container, first place it in plastic bags and then put it in the desired container.
Keep in mind that fruits like dried figs may develop sugar crystals after some time, and this is normal, with no cause for concern.
Fruit chips should be stored in a fresh, cool environment away from moisture. The entry of heat and moisture causes the dried fruit to sweat and spoil.
As you can see, in this article, we have discussed information and tips related to the storage conditions of dried fruit. Based on the above points, we conclude that the storage conditions for each type of fruit are different and variable. Therefore, it is essential to dry the desired fruit based on its texture and resistance at the proper temperature and store it in reasonable packaging. Everyone should incorporate dried fruit into their diet, as this product is highly beneficial for body health and creates conditions where people can enjoy all fruits in all seasons. Dried fruit is produced through traditional and industrial methods, and in today's automated world, traditional methods are no longer effective. Industrial methods are used for mass production of dried fruit.