Raisins, dates, figs, and other dried fruits may not hold as much appeal as fresh
fruits. But these small, sweet nuggets can be an easy way to reach your goal of
eating at least two servings of fruit daily.
For one thing, they stay fresh for a long time, so you don't need to worry about
spoilage. They're lightweight, making them easy to bring for snacks, and they're
particularly tasty when paired with nuts. One classic combination is raisins and
peanuts. Dried apricots and almonds are another nice mix.
Because they're energy-dense, dried fruits are fairly high in calories, so be careful not
to overdo it � a serving is just a quarter-cup. However, all the nutrients are also
concentrated along with the calories. Most dried fruits are good sources of potassium
and fiber. They're also rich in antioxidants and several vitamins and minerals. Note
that some dried fruits contain added sugar, so check the label to make sure you're
not getting extra empty calories with your fruit.