Dried fruit is fruit that has had the majority of its natural water content extracted, either naturally, by solar drying, or by using specialised heaters or dehydrators. Dried fruits contain a lot of micronutrients and have a lot of therapeutic potential. They are a delicacy, but their therapeutic capabilities have made them a necessity.
Per ounce, dried fruits have more fibre and antioxidants known as aromatic oils than fresh fruit and vegetables. Fibre can help you avoid obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Dried fruits also beat fresh fruits in terms of cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and ease of transport and storage. It can also be substituted for less healthy snacks that are heavy in salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
The most popular dried fruit is raisins, followed by dates, prunes, figs, apricots, almonds, walnuts, cashews, Pistachios, and hazelnuts. Other dried fruit variations are also available, often candied (sugar coated). Mangoes, pineapples, cranberries, bananas, and apples are among them. Dried fruit may be kept for much longer than fresh fruit and makes an excellent snack, especially on lengthy excursions when refrigeration is not available.
Origin & Distribution
India is the second-largest consumer of popular dry fruits such as almonds, and cashews. The country ranks third in raisins, fourth in dried figs, sixth in walnuts, and seventh in dates. Indian consumers have a strong desire for dry fruits, which opens up opportunities for innovation and market expansion.
Throughout India Dried fruits are farmed in many states, with the majority being imported. These are some of the most extensively produced dry fruits in the country -
- Almonds: One of the top quality almonds are grown in Kashmir
- Figs: Both dried and fresh figs are farmed mostly in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka
- Apricots: Dried apricots are common in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir, with Gulmarg being a favourite destination for the popular red kinds
- Cashews: Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are India's major cashew producers, followed by Odisha, and Goa(known for its large-sized cashew nuts)
- Raisins: Raisins are farmed in Maharashtra, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in India
Dried Fruits exports from India are primarily destined for the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Vietnam, The United States and Saudi Arabia. Whereas Dried Fruits are largely imported into India from Afghanistan, Turkey, The United States, Italy and Thailand.
Uses
The first record of dried fruits dates back to ancient Mesopotamian tablets, which contain the world's earliest documented recipes. Raisins, dates, mango, pineapple, prunes, figs, and apricots are some of the most popular dried fruit snacks today. Dried fruit processing equipment preserves the fruit's nutrients and taste while also extending its shelf life. Furthermore, dried fruits have various health benefits and might help you maintain your weight. Dried fruits have numerous nutritional benefits due to their high concentration of nutrients and minerals. The increasing trend towards high-protein diets has increased young adults' demand for dried fruits. Consumers are becoming more interested in healthy snacks as they become more conscious of obesity and ailments linked to lifestyle choices. Consumers are increasingly interested in snack bars, bakery goods, and dry fruit breakfast cereals.
Dried fruits contain fibre, potassium, folate, and magnesium. They also have antioxidant qualities, which aid in increasing insulin responsiveness while decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation in the pancreas. Dehydrated fruits are high in vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and improve skin quality.
Key Market Segmentation
Global Dry Fruits market is categorised based on : Product Type, Application, Distribution Channels and by Region.
Segmentation based on Product Types -
- Dates
- Dried Grapes
- Dried Figs
- Dried Apricots
- Prunes
- Dried Cranberries
- Pistachio
- Almonds
- Nuts