Raisins are grapes dried in a certain way. It can be obtained by natural drying or using additional methods, for example, using special equipment. This product is very popular all over the world. Why is it so loved by many, what is its benefit to the body, the taste of raisins and calorie content - this article will help answer all these questions.
Types of Raisins
Raisins are one of the most popular types of dried fruits along with grapes - the plant from which it is obtained. Fresh grapes are not stored for a long time, so its dried form is common - raisins. As a rule, it is divided into four types:
- small raisins of light shades;
- dark without bone;
- dark with two or three seeds, very sweet;
- large with bones.
It is used more often for the preparation of various drinks, both hot and cold, in culinary, including home-made, for the manufacture of confectionery such as halva, dragee Sea pebbles and others.
Calorie Raisins
Raisins have a fairly high calorie content. Thanks to this, dried fruit perfectly saturates, which is suitable for people with great physical exertion, it can also be given to children as a snack if there is no individual intolerance to this product. Dried grapes contain natural sugar, have a very sweet, pleasant taste, so it is quite possible to replace factory sweets with them.
The calorie content of 100 grams of raisins is 264 Kcal, so you need to use it in moderation, then the body will receive the necessary substances for normal life, and you won’t have to deal with excess weight. On the contrary, in moderation, it is able to break down fats. According to various indicators, the calorie content of white raisins is inferior to black varieties.
Composition of raisins
Depending on the grape variety, the indicators vary, but black raisins are considered the richest and most complete in composition. Calorie content, protein, fat and carbohydrate content is much higher. In general, dried grape fruit is a generous source of vitamins, in particular groups A, B, C, E and K, PP. The minerals contained in raisins are selenium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium and others. Also in the dried fruit contains ballast substances. All this allows raisins to be considered one of the most healthy and nutritious fruits.
Useful properties and contraindications
This dried berry has unique beneficial properties. With the help of raisins, bananas, dried apricots, potassium losses are well compensated. It is actively excreted by the kidneys due to the diuretic action of watermelon, for example. Disorders of the heart, muscle weakness and paresthesia (a sensation of tingling skin with many small needles) indicate a lack of potassium. A regular use of raisins will help to eliminate disturbances in the work of the heart.
To reduce weight, you can lose weight on apples (provided you feel good and there are no problems with the digestive tract). This is a period of unloading days. You can’t sit on a mono diet for weeks, because instead of benefit, you can harm the body. One product cannot provide a person with all the useful and necessary substances. Therefore, you should alternate fasting days with regular ones or add other products. Here, white raisins come in handy, the calorie content of which allows it to be consumed even with strict diets.
You can eat apples during the day: eat a few pieces raw, eat in the form of infusion or fruit drink without sugar, and to top off, eat baked fruits with raisins. Its calorie content is enough to feel cheerful. This dried fruit has long been loved also because it combines a large number of useful substances necessary for a person. At the same time, it has excellent taste.
Dried grapes contain a whole range of useful properties: bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, can have a laxative effect on the body, if necessary. Fetus will help future mothers get rid of a lack of iron and even cope with edema that may accompany pregnancy. Infusions from raisins are low-calorie and well protect against colds.
Despite the many useful properties of this dried fruit, there are limitations for its use in food. It is contraindicated for people suffering from diabetes, obesity, cholelithiasis, individual intolerance to grapes and products from it. There are many times more sugars in a dried product than in a fresh one, therefore it should be consumed in moderation.
Storage Features
It is necessary to store dried fruits in a room where there is no light or a container that does not let it through, since when exposed to sunlight, the product loses its visual appeal and taste. Small portions of dried fruit are best stored in a glass container sealed with a lid. A large amount is in boxes of various materials intended for food purposes. If pests suddenly start, then the fruits are processed: for half an hour at a temperature of 60–70 degrees they are kept in the oven on a baking sheet.
Preparation for use
All dried foods must be thoroughly rinsed before using them for dust, which could have formed on the surface during processing and storage. After that, they are soaked in cold water - this will soften them and facilitate further culinary use. Then the dried fruit can be eaten without further preparation. Also, the fruits can be processed with sulfur in the manufacture to give a presentation, so when soaking in water you need to add vinegar: Art. l on 1 liter of water.
Application
Due to its high nutritional value and calorie content, black raisins can be used as a snack to quickly replenish strength, as these fruits are rich in carbohydrates, therefore, a growing body, athletes, people involved in hard physical work, just need this dried fruit.
There are many recipes using dried grapes. Depending on your preferences, you can cook the second or first courses, a healthy drink or eat raisins in their pure form, add it to baking.
Below are just a few simple uses for raisins.
Turnip with raisins and apples. For cooking you need: 1 turnip, 2 apples, 1 tbsp. l raisins. Turnip should be peeled, chopped and sautéed with butter until incomplete. Then add cooked raisins, sugar, chopped apples. The calorie content of the dish will be about 80 Kcal.
You can mix cottage cheese and raisins. Calorie content per 100 grams of this dish will be equal to about 215 Kcal.
The list of delicious recipes does not end there. For example, a calorie raisin casserole will contain 239 kcal. It remains only to determine that the priority is nutritional value or dietary properties, and choose a dish to your liking that will bring positive emotions and benefits to the body.