How to Use Dried Fruit in Smoothies
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If you’re like me, you love smoothies for their delicious taste and versatility. But have you ever thought about using dried fruit in your smoothies? Not only do dried fruits add a unique flavor to your drink, they also pack a nutritious punch.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring how to use dried fruit in smoothies and sharing some great recipes to try at home.
Why Use Dried Fruit in Smoothies?
Dried fruit is a great addition to smoothies for its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. Dried fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can help add natural sweetness to your smoothie without using added sugar. In addition, dried fruit also contains antioxidants which have been found to have numerous health benefits.
When adding dried fruit to your smoothie, be sure to use small amounts of high quality fruits such as figs, dates or raisins, as these are less likely to contain added sugar or preservatives. To boost the nutrient content of your smoothie even further, try adding some nuts or seeds such as chia seeds or hemp hearts. For a delicious twist on your favorite smoothie recipes, experiment with adding different kinds of dried fruits – you might be surprised by the results!
By mixing together a variety of fresh and dry fruits, nuts, and seeds into a tasty combination you can enjoy any time of day. Not only will you reap the energy-boosting and health benefits of these ingredients but also create an enjoyable treat that will tantalize your taste buds!
Benefits of Dried Fruits in Smoothies
Nutritional Benefits of Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are a great way to incorporate extra nutrients into your smoothies. They provide fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. Plus, they contain antioxidants which can help to reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Dried fruits are also a good source of essential minerals; for example, apricots are high in potassium which is necessary for healthy blood pressure and supporting heart health, figs are a good source of calcium for strong bones and teeth, and raisins are high in iron which is necessary for carrying oxygen to cells in the body.
Using dried fruit in smoothies is an easy way to get extra nutrients into your diet, especially if you have dietary restrictions as many dried fruits are free from allergens like gluten and dairy. Consider adding some dried fruit to your smoothie next time you’re looking for a nutritious boost.
Other Benefits of Dried Fruits
Using dried fruit in smoothies offers many benefits beyond providing nutrition. One of the biggest advantages is its long shelf life, as it can be stored for several months or even up to a year in an airtight container. This makes it a great pantry staple if you don’t have access to fresh fruit or want to have a variety of fruit options at hand.
Dried fruit is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match different types for unique flavors. It can be especially beneficial for those with dietary restrictions, as most dried fruits are free from allergens such as gluten and dairy. With dried fruit available in your kitchen, you can easily make healthy and delicious smoothies any time!
Dried fruits are also wonderful if you are taking a portable blender with you and want to blend up a smoothie later in the day (say, at the office). If you don’t have a refrigerator, dried fruit can be a lifesaver!
How to Make a Smoothie with Dried Fruits
Dried fruit is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to smoothies. Before adding it to the smoothie, rehydrate the fruit by soaking it in water for a few minutes, or by using a small amount of liquid in the recipe.
Once rehydrated, add the dried fruit to your blender along with other ingredients, such as liquid (e.g. water, milk, coconut water), yogurt, nuts or seeds. You can also use dates or honey as natural sweeteners to avoid added sugar.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with adding dried fruit straight to your blender without rehydrating it first. Just be aware that your blender might not be able to completely blend the tougher parts and you might have a bit of texture to your smoothie, unless you have a very high-powered blender. If you forget to soak your fruit in water, though, this is an option.
Dried fruit can be used as the main ingredient in a smoothie, or you can combine it with fresh fruit for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. You can also try blending dehydrated fruit with nuts or seeds for an even more satisfying drink. With so many options available, you’re sure to find a delicious combination that’s perfect for you!
How to Use Freeze Dried Fruit in Smoothies
Freeze dried fruit is a great option for adding flavorful and convenient ingredients to your smoothies. Unlike regular dried fruit, which uses a process of removing moisture, freeze drying preserves the shape, texture, and flavor of the fruit, making it ideal for a delicious addition to your drinks.
To use freeze dried fruit in smoothies, simply add a handful of freeze dried fruit to your blender along with the other ingredients. Any type of freeze dried fruit can be used in smoothies, such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. Freeze dried fruit provides a visually appealing way to enhance the color and presentation of your smoothies.
You can buy special powdered freeze-dried fruits such as banana powders or pineapple powders, but you really don’t need to as any blender should be able to make short work of these fruits.
Keep in mind that freeze dried fruit may be slightly more expensive than regular dried fruits. However, since the freeze drying process concentrates flavors it does not take much for an intense flavor boost. Freeze dried fruit can also be used as topping for smoothies – this adds crunchy texture and burst of flavor! So if you’re looking for an extra something for your smoothies, consider using freeze dried fruits for a delightful twist.
Some of our favorite freeze dried fruits to use in smoothies are freeze-dried strawberries, peaches, bananas and mangos, all of which are easily found in stores near us, even our local Dollar General!
Healthy Smoothie Recipes with Dried Fruits
Now for the fun part – the recipes! Here are a few delicious and healthy smoothie ideas to get you started:
- Apricot, Banana, and Almond Butter Smoothie: This creamy smoothie is a great source of potassium and protein. Simply blend together 1 banana, 1/2 cup rehydrated apricots, 1 tablespoon almond butter, and 1 cup almond milk.
- Fig, Blueberry, and Spinach Smoothie: This refreshing smoothie is full of antioxidants and calcium. Simply blend together 1 cup rehydrated figs, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1 cup spinach, and 1 cup coconut water.
- Cranberry, Orange, and Ginger Smoothie: This tangy smoothie is perfect for a morning pick-me-up. Simply blend together 1 cup rehydrated cranberries, 1 orange, 1 inch piece of ginger, and 1 cup water.
Final Thoughts on How to Use Dried Fruit in Smoothies
As you can see, adding dried fruit to your smoothies is a simple and tasty way to boost the nutritional value of your drink. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a refreshing summertime treat, these healthy smoothie recipes are sure to hit the spot.
So next time you’re blending up some fruit smoothies for breakfast or a healthy snack, don’t be afraid to throw in some dried fruit and see what delicious combinations you can come up with!
Happy Blending!
Amanda