What You Need to Know About Eating Candied Fruit

People have become increasingly mindful of their health and what they consume, with the consumption of candied fruits being among these habits. This trend has been influenced by nutritional education promoted by nutrition experts, as well as by producers focusing on natural products, which are becoming more frequent in Romania.

Currently, anyone who wants to eat healthy has numerous options available, as there are many companies, small or large, involved in the production and distribution of natural products, free from artificial colors, additives (E-numbers), sugar, and other additives. However, one of the main difficulties encountered in adopting a healthy eating style is limiting sugar consumption.

But who says sweets can’t be healthy? Nowadays, sugar cravings can be satisfied with natural products, such as candied fruits.

Discover, in the following lines, everything you need to know about consuming candied fruits.

What are candied fruits?

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Candied fruits are fruits boiled in sugar syrup and then dried. Experts say that a superior quality product should contain a maximum of 80% dry matter. Thus, to verify this, a solution is to press them through the packaging. If no liquid comes out, it means we are talking about a superior product.

Candied fruits are a healthier alternative to commercial sweets. They excellently replace candies or other highly flavored and very sweet products.

What are the benefits of consuming candied fruits?

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Fruits are an important source of vitamins and nutrients, components essential for maintaining body health and harmonious development. The ultimate advantage of candied fruits is that they do not lose these properties during the technological process.

Furthermore, even though candied fruits are rich in sugars (natural), they also contain many antioxidants, thus improving the body’s response to insulin, preventing, and reducing the risk of diabetes. At the same time, these candied fruits also prevent inflammation and oxidative stress.

Since a good amount of vitamins remains in the composition of candied fruits, they can also be consumed to:

• prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression;
• improve the immune system, the digestive system, and consequently the colon, helping it function normally.

What is the importance of the manufacturing process and ECO ingredients in the production of candied fruits?

A healthier alternative to fruits boiled in sugar syrup is the process of infusing them in apple juice. This way, the fruits’ properties are preserved, and the sweetness comes from a natural, unprocessed source.

The most popular candied fruits on the market are raisins, figs, dates, pineapple, plums, papaya, and bananas, and organic aronia berries are also among the top choices for those with a sweet tooth who prefer healthier alternatives.

Let’s take our product Organic Aronia Berries Coated with Chocolate as an example. It is made from 100% natural and organic aronia berries, which have been infused in apple juice and coated in premium dark chocolate. This vegan product contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors, and is also gluten-free and lactose-free.

The aromatic and rich taste is complemented by health benefits, considering that dried aronia berries are rich in:

• vitamins (C, B, A, P, Q);
• minerals (potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper)
• antioxidants.

These miracle fruits, considered some of the healthiest in the world, are recommended in the diet of people with diabetes or hypertension, as well as for regulating digestion or cholesterol.

The aronia berries in this product come from an organic plantation in the TimiÈ™ county. No chemicals or fertilizers are used, allowing the fruits to grow harmoniously, at their own pace, aided by nature. They are recognized for their contribution to obtaining robust health, regardless of age.

How to differentiate natural candied fruits from less healthy ones?

Nutritionists believe that dried fruits are beneficial for health. Regarding candied fruits, recommendations are for people to choose products made solely from natural ingredients, without added sugar and other additives.

Candied fruits retain a large amount of fiber in their composition, which is necessary for digestion, as well as many vitamins and minerals.

Also, when purchasing these products, it is advisable not to opt for the bulk, weighing option. It is recommended to choose products that are in their original manufacturing packaging. This way, the purity of the product is maintained and ensured, and the consumer is protected from infection with certain bacteria or viruses, a danger that arises from handling products and touching them with dirty hands by multiple people.

Differentiating healthy products from harmful ones involves reading all the information on the label/manufacturer’s website. This applies to all products, especially nowadays when the internet is available to everyone and can be used to obtain any information a consumer needs.