This is another variation of my dried fruit-based sweet treats. I have created several varieties, using different types of dried fruits as the base. They are full of nutrition and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings–guilt free!

Ingredients

1 cup (moist) dried apricots, roughly chopped*
6 tablespoons almond butter
¼ cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup chopped almonds
¼ cup chopped walnuts
pinch of ground fennel (optional)

     * For a variation use ½ cup chopped dates and ½ cup chopped apricots

Add apricots to a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Process until apricots are finely chopped and come together. Transfer to a bowl. Add remaining ingredients and combine by hand. Roll into small balls. Serve cool or at room temperature. Makes approximately 10 bite-size pieces. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of Dried Apricots

The benefits of dried apricots stem from the fact that the drying process strips the fruits of its water content without harming, altering, or reducing the potency of the nutritive value of the apricots. As a result, nutrients are concentrated and distilled into a much more potent form highlighting even more of the benefits of dried apricots. In fact, five pounds of fresh apricots can be dried to produce just one pound of dried apricots so you can eat more per serving and get more nutrients out of each bite.

The benefits of dried apricots are mainly due to the high beta carotene content of apricots. Beta carotene is the substance responsible for the formation of Vitamin A and is abundant in yellow and dark green leafy vegetables such as carrots, spinach, pumpkins and squash, sweet potatoes and cantaloupes. This extra dose of beta carotene helps ensure good eyesight and protection from normal causes of vision impairment. People who regularly get a natural dose of Vitamin A are better suited to resisting vision deterioration brought about by stress and aging. On top of beta carotene and Vitamin A, the benefits of dried apricots also extend to minerals like Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin C. These minerals are responsible for regulating many natural body processes that would otherwise cease to occur without their presence. Calcium helps to build strong bones; Vitamin C is an excellent agent that enhances the immune system’s resistance against illnesses, while Iron is essential in the healthy formation of hemoglobin which is the substance in the blood that allows the transport of Oxygen to the organs. A regular dose of these chemicals helps the body to cleanse and renew itself every day so your organs can continue to do their functions unimpeded by bad nutrition or retarded healing of damaged cells.

Aside from the above, the benefits of dried apricots are also observed in various conditions such as constipation and indigestion. Apricots help to treat constipation by acting as a mild laxative to flush out unwanted waste while in the case of indigestion; it reacts with the body’s digestive juices to produce a more alkaline environment that aids in digestion. Apricots are also known to fight fevers, prevent skin diseases and even aid in retarding fat deposits for a healthier, slimmer body.