The history of dried fruit: How apples became a staple in global pantries

By hrseditor // 2025-05-27

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Food preservation methods like drying date back to 12,000 B.C. In fact, ancient civilizations had practiced drying fruits like apples. Apple cultivation spread globally through trade and colonization.
Apples appear in myths and religious texts, as exemplified by the biblical story of Adam and Eve. Johnny Appleseed helped popularize apple orchards in early America, where apples were used for cider and livestock feed.
Today, there are thousands of apple varieties grown around the world. Apples are now dried using advanced dehydrators, which allow nutrients to be preserved while extending the fruit's shelf life.
Apples (fresh or dried) are rich in fiber that can support gut health and antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage.
Dried apples remain a timeless, nutritious snack with deep historical roots.

Food preservation has been a cornerstone of human survival for thousands of years. Long before refrigeration and chemical preservatives were invented, people relied on natural methods to keep food edible for months or even years. Among the oldest and most reliable food preservation techniques is drying, a practice that dates back to prehistoric times. And one of the most enduring dried foods? Apples. Dried apples have a rich history, spanning cultures and continents, and offer impressive health benefits. Whether enjoyed as a snack, added to oatmeal or used in baking, dried apples remain a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy this ancient fruit. (h/t to Blogs.UBC.ca)

Brief history of dried apples

The earliest evidence of food drying comes from the Middle East around 12,000 B.C., where fruits, fish and wild game were left to dry in the sun and wind. The Romans, in particular, were fond of dried fruits such as apricots, dates and figs. When sunlight alone wasn’t enough, they used fire to smoke-dry their food. Apples themselves have been part of the human diet since ancient times. Anthropological research suggests the early humans consumed wild apples, and they appear in religious and mythological texts, from the biblical story of Adam and Eve to Greek and Roman tales where apples symbolized love and beauty. When the Romans conquered England around the first century B.C.E., they brought apple cultivation with them. Centuries later, apples made their way to North America. While crabapples were already native to the continent, they were often too tart to eat. European colonists introduced sweeter varieties, with the Massachusetts Bay Colony requesting apple seeds and cuttings from England in the 1600s. One of the most famous figures in American apple history is John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. In the early 1800s, he traveled across Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, planting apple trees and helping establish orchards. At the time, apples weren’t just for eating and many were used for cider or fed to livestock. As settlers moved westward, nearly every farm had an apple tree. While early varieties were often tough and sour compared to today’s sweet, crisp apples, they were a vital food source that could be preserved through drying.

Modern dried apples: A global favorite

Today, there are nearly 8,000 apple varieties worldwide, with about 100 grown commercially in the United States. While fresh apples dominate grocery stores, dried apples remain a popular snack, especially for hikers, parents packing school lunches and health-conscious consumers. (Related: Food preservation techniques: Keep your pantry stocked for any crisis.) Modern drying techniques have evolved from sun-drying to industrial dehydrators, which remove moisture while preserving nutrients. The result? A shelf-stable, nutrient-dense snack that retains much of the fruit’s original flavor and health benefits.

Health benefits of apples

Both fresh and dried apples are packed with nutrients that can support overall health. Here’s why they deserve to be part of a balanced diet:

Rich in dietary fiber

A medium apple contains about 4.4 grams of fiber, which is roughly 16 percent of the recommended daily intake. Much of this fiber comes from pectin, a soluble fiber that's good for the gut because it feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Apple skin also provides insoluble fiber, which can support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

Packed with antioxidants

Apples are loaded with plant compounds that fight oxidative stress, including quercetin, catechin and chlorogenic acid. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage.

A hydrating, low-calorie snack

Apples are about 86 percent water, making them hydrating and filling. A medium apple has fewer than 100 calories, making it a smart everyday choice to help you achieve sensible weight management goals.

Dried apples: A convenient, nutrient-packed snack option

While fresh apples are ideal, dried apples offer a portable, long-lasting alternative. However, since drying removes water content, the sugar in dried apples is more concentrated. To keep dried apples healthy:

Choose unsweetened varieties because many store-bought versions have added sugar.
Watch portion sizes. A small handful (about 1/4 cup) is equivalent to one medium fresh apple.

From ancient sun-drying techniques to modern orchards, apples have remained a staple in human diets for thousands of years. Whether eaten fresh or dried, they provide essential nutrients, fiber and antioxidants that can support overall health. Next time you bite into a crisp apple or enjoy a chewy dried slice, remember that you’re partaking in a tradition as old as civilization itself, with all the benefits of nature’s original superfood.

Where to get Organic Soft Dried Apple Slices

The Health Ranger Store wants you to enjoy the full nutritional benefits of organic apples all year round, which is why we're offering Organic Soft Dried Apple Slices. Packed with nutrients and grown under strict organic standards, Health Ranger Select Organic Soft Dried Apple Slices are a highly versatile and delicious superfood that has been carefully dried to retain maximum nutrition. You can eat them directly, add them to various recipes or store them long term as emergency food. Our organic dried apple slices are non-GMO, non-China and certified Kosher and organic. They are also meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more healthy ingredients and snacks. You can also visit Food.news for more articles about other nutrient-rich foods. Click on this link to learn how to make gluten-free granola bars with nuts and seeds. Watch the video below to learn how Organic Apples can support optimal health and nutrition. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

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