7 rules for storing dried fruits: how to store dried fruits and berries at home?
Content:
How to store dried fruits? This question is asked by every housewife who wants to eat tasty and healthy food throughout the year. How to store raisins, dried apricots and dates at home?
Rule number 1. Temperature mode
Store raisins, dates and dried apricots at home should be at a temperature not exceeding 15 ° C and at a humidity of not more than 70%. Periodic temperature rise up to 20 ° C is allowed. Dried fruits do not like moisture and heat, so they should be in a dry and cool enough place. It is best to store fruit and berries in the pantry or attic. Only under such conditions, dried foods will retain all their beneficial properties for a long time.
If you decide to leave supplies of fruits and berries in the kitchen, hide them away in a cupboard. Make sure that there are no household appliances that emit heat (refrigerator or microwave) near dried foods. Do not store dates and raisins next to the kettle and stove. Vapors from a cooked meal can penetrate into containers with dried fruits and cause them to spoil ahead of time. Use the farthest corners of the kitchen to store supplies.
Rule number 2. Separate storage
How to store raisins, dried apricots and dates - together or separately? Can I mix different fruits and berries? Experienced housewives know that each type of product must have its own capacity. This rule should be observed even if you plan to use all dried fruits together (in compote or baked goods). Prepare your own jar or bag for each type of product. Do not forget about the labeling, so that you can easily find the necessary dried fruits in the cabinet.
Rule number 3. Crockery matters
Dried fruits should be stored in dry glass, ceramic or wooden jars. Remember that all cans must have tight lids to protect against moisture and accidental debris. Do not forget to check the tightness of the dishes before packing them in the far corner of the kitchen cabinet.
Tip
Instead of cans, you can use thick cotton or canvas bags.
Rule number 4. Drying
How to store dried fruits purchased on the market? First of all, thoroughly rinse all purchased products. Pure berries and fruits must be dried at room temperature, then use the oven. This method helps prevent the appearance of mold, which often occurs on poorly dried dried fruits.
Tip
Use the oven at minimum power to dry berries and fruits.
Rule number 5. Check stocks
Dried fruit storage is a process that requires constant monitoring. From time to time, sort through berries and fruits, noting their safety and appearance. If there are bugs among the stocks, you should bake dried fruits in the oven. In the summer, you can simply leave the stock in the sunlight. Raisins, dates and dried apricots can be frozen in the freezer, then be sure to re-dry. Only prunes can be stored in a refrigerator for a long time - other fruits will not withstand such conditions. Moldy stocks can only be thrown into the bin.
Rule number 6. Mint to help
You doubt that the dried fruits are dried perfectly, or you simply do not have the opportunity to wait a long time? There is a way to save berries and fruits at home for a long time.To do this, add dry mint to the blanks and pack everything in a canvas bag. You need to store such supplies in a dark cabinet without additional light sources.
Rule number 7. Use salt
How to store dried fruits in a kitchen cabinet? Many housewives prefer to keep supplies always at hand, and not get them every time from the attic or pantry. It should be remembered that storing fruits and berries in a room with high humidity is not the best option. Vapors from pans and splashes of water from the sink can harm dried foods. This can be avoided using usually table salt. Just put the salt shaker in the closet next to the jars and bags of your supplies - and be sure nothing will happen to them.
Remember that dried fruits, like any food, have their own shelf life. Store raisins, dried apricots, dates and dried berries should be no more than one year. Do not make large stocks, otherwise after twelve months you will have to get rid of numerous jars and bags. Buy fruits and berries as needed, process on time and use for its intended purpose.
Knowing how to properly store dried fruits at home, you can always make useful supplies for yourself and your loved ones. Let your favorite dishes delight you with all shades of flavors!