How To Use Dried Fruit

<h3> How To Use Dried Fruit </h3>

Rehydration: Most dried fruit is eaten or used in recipes as it is. However, you may wish to soften the fruit slightly to make it more chewable. You can use one of three methods: 1. Cover the dried fruit with boiling water or fruit juice. Let it stand 5 to 10 minutes, then drain. 2. Place the dried fruit in the top of a steamer over boiling water and steam for 3 minutes or until the fruit is plump. 3. Sprinkle the dried fruit with fruit juice or water and let it stand several minutes. Once moisture has been returned to dried fruit, they are quite perishable and should be used soon or refrigerated. Dried fruit may be cooked in hot water or juice until it is tender. Soaking first, then simmering, gives a more tender fruit. Sugar and spice should be added near the end of the cooking time. To Chop Dried Fruit: Freeze the dried fruit first. Then chop in a food processor with the appropriate blade and speed. Storage: Keep dried fruit in a zip lock bag at room temperature for up to 6 months. If kept longer, store in the freezer for up to a year.