Dried Fruits Benefits

Dried fruit is definitely something you want to include in your diet. They have a very low content of water due to the drying process, which results in a more concentrated nutritional value compared to their fresh counterparts. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, with different ratios depending on the fruit. However, like with all foods, it’s important to consume them moderately due to their higher calorie content as well as higher sugar content compared to fresh fruit. 

Azar Taj takes all those qualities into consideration, and ensures that their final product brings you the maximum of benefits. They work with a team of professional experts, whose goal is to maintain the natural nutritional value of their dry fruit by avoiding adding extra sugars and other additives. Therefore, if you wish to add dried fruit to your daily menu, this is a supplier who you can trust.

Some dried fruit is even considered a superfood, meaning that they are especially beneficial for your health and well-being. Some of the examples are dried dates, raisins and apricots. Azar Taj is especially proud of their dried apricots. They are a good source of vitamins A and E, as well as copper and potassium. Additionally, they contain a lot of dietary fiber and beta-carotene, all of which support immune function. Besides a great added value to your health, Azar Taj is especially proud of their dried apricots due to their taste: 

“Iran is the source of many fresh fruits with great flavours. For example, Turkish apricot is famous in the world, but the Iranian apricot has a better taste than its Turkish counterpart.”

Are the Iranian apricots underrated? That’s a topic for another article. Luckily, Azar Taj is very eager to share their knowledge and experience, so if you wish to become a dried fruit expert you can definitely visit their blog page.

Otherwise, as a buyer, you can always reach out to Azar Taj directly via Torg. Take a look at their Torg profile and see if you are a good match!

When does the history of dried fruit start?

People have been using dried fruit for thousands of years - dating back to ancient times! Interestingly, ancient Persians, living in what is now Iran, were among the earliest civilizations to cultivate and trade dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Therefore, Aar Taj surely prolongs and cultivates the legacy of their ancestors. The practice of drying fruit started as a food preservation method, allowing people to survive during times of scarcity and migrations. 

How has the process of drying fruits evolved over time?

At first, the sun was the number one tool for fruit drying, especially in warm and arid regions like the Middle East. As we reached the industrial revolution, so-called “freeze drying” technology was invented and has expanded over the years. In very simple terms, freeze-drying is a preservation method where food is frozen and then exposed to a vacuum, removing moisture through sublimation, which retains the food’s structure, nutrients, and flavour. This method allowed people not only to preserve fruits, but also vegetables, meats, and dairy.

That was followed by more advancements and modernization of course. More machinery was created, not only for drying products but also for facilitating all the pre-drying processes. For instance:

• Specialised dehydrators allow for controlled temperature and airflow, resulting in more consistent drying.
• Improved sulphuring techniques are used to preserve colour and extend the shelf-life of dried fruits.
• Cutting and handling machinery these days increases efficiency in preparing fruits for drying.
• Storage innovations, for example, cold night air storage, maintain fruit quality during long-term storage.

In the case of Azar Taj, their high-technology dehydration, as well as cutting and handling methods allow them to preserve their final dried fruit products in the form of slices and cubes.

Dried Fruit Export & Import

According to the survey from 2023 provided by Statista, the leading exporter of dried fruit worldwide is Turkey, followed by Chile, Thailand, China and USA. The global dried fruit market has experienced growth due to already-described technical advancements, increasing health consciousness and expanding applications of this good category. Beyond being a healthy snack, dried fruits are now widely used in dairy and bakery products, confectioneries, breakfast cereals, and as natural sweeteners. Keeping that in mind, the top importers of dried fruits are the USA, China, Germany, the UK and France.

Due to the high demand and a variety of applications of dried fruits these days, one of the challenges that suppliers like Azar Taj are facing is producing and supplying their dried fruit products in high tonnage. Azar Taj is deeply committed to keeping their products natural and focusing their efforts on sustainable production. They are focused on local gardeners in Iran, as it allows them to work with the best and highest-quality resources, which naturally translates into amazing end-products. The aforementioned high-tech drying techniques that Azar Taj uses in their production are also in line with their commitment to the environment, setting an example of how big producers can take a step towards sustainable growth. When you think of how difficult it is for local production to meet global demand, Azar Taj’s efforts are especially admirable

Key-Takeaways

This increased global demand challenges suppliers to produce responsibly. Azar Taj exemplifies this by working with local Iranian gardeners to create high-quality products that honour traditional flavours while promoting sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Health Benefits: Dried fruits provide concentrated nutrients, high fibre, and antioxidants that support immune health, digestive function, and overall wellness. 
• Drying Techniques: Evolving from ancient sun-drying methods to modern freeze-drying and dehydration, techniques now focus on preserving flavour, colour, and nutrients, using advanced tools that may also enable sustainable production.
• Global Market: With Turkey leading in exports and high demand from countries like the USA, China, and Germany, the dried fruit market continues to grow, supported by innovations in sustainable sourcing and high-quality processing.

So, source your dried fruits smartly and enjoy the benefits!