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Nutrition and daily life

Dried fruit — food card: apricots, raisins, prunes

Dried apricots, raisins, dried plums and figs decorate our winter table and our plov. They give a lot of energy in a small volume. This card covers their benefits and safe choices during treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Packaged dried fruit and compote provide energy
Figure 1.Packaged dried fruit and compote provide energy.

01Short answer

Dried fruit provides concentrated energy, fibre, potassium and a little iron. Small portions carry many calories, which helps when appetite is poor, and prunes can help with constipation. During neutropenia choose sealed packs, or boil dried fruit in compote and plov. Its sugar is concentrated, so eat it in moderation if you have diabetes.

02Simple explanation

Water has been removed from dried fruit, so its sugar, fibre and minerals are concentrated.

Dried apricots and raisins are rich in potassium.

Prunes and figs can help with constipation.

Loose market dried fruit can carry dust and mould.

03Scientific explanation

Portion: according to the NHS, 30 g of dried fruit counts as one portion of fruit, but because it is sticky and sugary it is best eaten with meals.

Weakened immunity: LLS and MSK prefer packaged dried fruit.

Constipation: the NCI suggests fibre-rich foods, including dried fruit, and plenty of fluids for constipation.

04What happens in the body?

What does it provide?

30 g of dried apricots gives about 70 kcal, 2 g fibre and 350 mg potassium.

A dried apricot glows amber from within, golden sparks rising.
Figure 2.Energy is concentrated in dried fruit.

How to choose

A sealed, dated pack. Throw away dried fruit that is mouldy, stuck in clumps or smells odd.

Preparation

Rinse it and cook it in compote, plov or porridge, which makes it softer and safer.

Compote of apricots, raisins and prunes simmering in a pot.
Figure 3.Cooking makes dried fruit soft and safe.

Storage

In an airtight jar in a cool, dry place.

05Dried fruit: four steps

Sealed pack, swap loose fruit, rinse and cook, store in a jar.

Sealed pack — Dated, clean.1Sealed packDated, clean.
Not loose — Packaged instead.2Not loosePackaged instead.
Rinse and cook — Compote, plov.3Rinse and cookCompote, plov.
Store in a jar — Cool, dry place.4Store in a jarCool, dry place.
EnergyIn a small portion.
FibreFor constipation.
SafetyPacked and cooked.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What does it provide?30 g of dried apricots gives about 70 kcal, 2 g fibre and 350 mg potassium.
How to chooseA sealed, dated pack. Throw away dried fruit that is mouldy, stuck in clumps or smells odd.
PreparationRinse it and cook it in compote, plov or porridge, which makes it softer and safer.
StorageIn an airtight jar in a cool, dry place.

07Key terms

Dried fruit
Fruit with its water removed.
Potassium
A mineral for heart and muscles.
Constipation
Difficulty emptying the bowel.
Mould
A fungus that grows on fruit.
Compote
A drink of cooked fruit.

08Key points

  • Dried fruit is concentrated energy.
  • Choose sealed packs.
  • You can cook it in compote and plov.
  • It is high in sugar, so eat it in moderation.
  • Throw away mouldy dried fruit.

09Frequently asked questions

Is dried-fruit compote good?

Yes, it gives fluid and some potassium and is safe. Add little sugar.

Do prunes help constipation?

They help many people. Eat them with fluids; if constipation continues, tell your doctor.

Are dried apricots a source of iron?

They contain a little iron, but not enough to treat anaemia.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is dried-fruit compote good?

  2. Do prunes help constipation?

  3. Are dried apricots a source of iron?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. 5 A Day: what counts?
  2. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Food Safety During Cancer Treatment
  4. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Selecting and Serving Produce Safely
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  8. American Cancer Society. Nausea and Vomiting
  9. American Cancer Society. Poor Appetite
  10. American Cancer Society. Taste and Smell Changes
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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